Former WWE Superstar EC3 has claimed that WWE “stole” the Raw Underground concept from him. EC3 was let go from the company earlier this year. He subsequently released a shoot-style video that bore a lot of resemblance to what Raw Underground would ultimately present.

Joining the ROHStrong podcast, EC3 claimed he “knew it was going to be stolen, so I was prepared for it. I didn’t know it’d go to that length, and I know mine played to a minor bubble of the professional wrestling audience while majority of it saw whatever the hell they put out there.”

He went on to compare the situation to the 1992 movie Wayne’s World. EC3 explained how he was “[…] producing this show in Aurora, my basement with my buddy Garth. We’ll call him J.C. in this instance, and then Rob Lowe came in, bought us and when I saw Shane McMahon in the ring, not in a real underground, mine was a real underground.”

EC3 described WWE’s take on the underground shoot-style presentation as a “[…] manufactured, heartless, desolate studio, I’m looking at Shane and it felt like when Noah was rapping on Wayne’s World after they bought him out. It was just inauthentic and like I said, it had no heart.”

He stressed that, although he “knew something would’ve been taken from it,” he didn’t expect WWE to simply replicate the “whole aesthetic.”

EC3 noted that it’s always a challenge to do something different. That being said, he stressed he plans on doing bigger and better things in ROH.

Recent reports indicate that Raw Underground may already be “considered done” for now.

EC3 continues to make moves in his post-WWE career as he is coming to Ring of Honor. 

On Monday, ROH released a teaser video hyping his forthcoming debut: 

Ring of Honor is slated to hold television tapings this month. It had been reported by PWinsider.com that EC3 would be working the tapings. It was noted that he’ll make his first appearance on ROH programming when this content airs and now that appears to be confirmed. 

The promotion has already publicly announced that they will go by a strict COVID-19 protocol set in place by the Maryland State Athletic Commission when holding tapings. 

They’ll also be doing necessary testing and safety measures in a continued effort to prevent the spread of the virus. There will be no fans nor non-essential staff at the tapings. 

EC3 was released from WWE in April when the company decided to make mass firing of staff and talent. He made his return to Impact Wrestling following the main event of the Slammiversary pay-per-view event from Skyway Studios in Nashville, Tennessee back in July. 

Even though he’ll be working for ROH, he remains with Impact as well. 

EC3 on WWE: “The Very Top Is Micromanaging To An Extremely Dangerous Level”

Former WWE Superstar EC3 recently appeared on SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio. During the interview with the show, EC3 discussed his leaving WWE and being able to fully to his character and “control the narrative” on Ethan Carter III.

Co-host of the show Bully Ray asked EC3 what he felt was the biggest issue with the company right now.

EC3 on ‘The Top’ of WWE

“Like with anything? It starts at the top” EC3 began, discussing his former place of work. “And I think the top? The very very top? Is micromanaging to an extremely dangerous level, where there’s no trust in the lieutenants, the majors and the generals to do anything.”

“Everything goes through the top” EC3 continued, clearly alluding to WWE CEO Vince McMahon. “And when the tops inundated with so much business? A lot gets lost. You just mentioned it’s a broken system, and it seems like it.”

EC3 then admitted that he hasn’t been following WWE recently (understandably) but he feels that they could be doing a lot more with their stacked roster of talent. “I’m not following the product, but they have the most talented roster in the world. And the product becomes unwatchable and insufferable sometimes. But, if I’m a leader? Which I’ve been in some cases, not to that level, but as a leader? instead of passing blame to people and firing them, sometimes it comes down on me. And so, leadership starts at the top.”

This comments echo those made by Eric Young recently, another talent released by WWE.

Do you agree with EC3? Let us know in the comments

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• Bully Ray Rips Kairi Sane For Goodbye Tweet To WWE

Former WWE Superstar EC3 has opened up about his frustrations during his WWE tenure in a recent interview with Busted Open Radio. 

When asked if he felt he had anybody supporting him backstage, EC3 shared how “I think I had people in my corner but nobody that would openly step up because everyone is job scared and apprehensive.”

He continued, explaining how “no one wants to rock the boat.” EC3 would be frequently told how they found it difficult to understand how he wasn’t being given promo time. However, when these same people were in production meetings where they could say something, nobody seemingly pushed for him.

EC3’s Pitch Meetings With Vince McMahon

EC3 then revealed how he had been in several “one on one” meetings with Vince McMahon. According to EC3, Vince saw him for what he was:  

“I look good, work good, but I’m not the workhorse. He doesn’t make money off those guys. He makes money off guys with charisma which I have. I have natural ability,” EC3 argued. “Whatever promo he saw of me, he saw one promo and thought it was over the top. Well, that was one, and you know I can always scale it back.”

He conceded how, although how WWE used him was “killing” him on the inside, the production was ultimately Vince McMahon’s show. He would leave those meetings feeling good but was continually disappointed when nothing ever came from them.

“I pitched him a bunch of different things. There’s a video I shot with Drake Maverick and we think this will be great. Ha, I love it! That’s great and then it never happens,” EC3 said. “After a while, you become desensitized and I will take accountability that I stopped caring because nothing mattered. So, I’m totally to blame for nothing towards the end from happening besides the fact I was out with a concussion, but, it all worked out, I guess, how it should.”

EC3 was released by WWE earlier this year as a coronavirus cost-cutting measure. He has since returned to Impact Wrestling, making his first post-WWE appearance during Impact Wrestling’s Slammiversary show. 

EC3, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, and Eric Young have all joined Impact Wrestling.

Eddie Edwards vs. Trey Miguel vs. Ace Austin vs. Rich Swann vs. Eric Young in an Elimination Match for the vacant Impact World Championship was booked as the main event of Saturday’s Slammiversary pay-per-view event from Skyway Studios in Nashville, Tennessee.

Edwards defeated Ace Austin to win the title. Post-match, Madman Fulton began to beat down Edwards and Austin joined in. The Good Brothers walked down and made the save. They all stood tall together. 

This wasn’t the end of the surprises though as the show closed with a teaser video for EC3.

All of these stars were released from WWE in April when the company decided to make mass firing of staff and talent. The wrestlers who were released were under a 90-day non-compete clause until July 15th, which at the time had prevented them from officially signing a deal with any promotion.

Over the last few weeks, it was reported that Anderson and Gallows had agreed to signing with Impact. The promotion made it official earlier on Saturday. They also agreed to a separate deal with another promotion, which will allow them to work for New Japan Pro Wrestling. 

Before this event, the promotion had been teasing the return of EC3 to Impact as his entrance music was played on an episode of Impact.

• Motor City Machine Guns Return At Slammiversary

Impact Wrestling has been heavily teasing that EC3 could be returning to the promotion tonight at Slammiversary. EC3 has been teasing his return to pro-wrestling following his release from WWE in April on social media through a series of videos. He just released a new video in the series last night.

During the rather intense video, he walks past people dressed in “Free EC3” shirts. There are also images from his WWE career burning in the video. The line “You have been warned” is also featured throughout. He then seems to walk into an underground wrestling event and beats up an unnamed opponent. EC3 finished him off with a reverse DDT followed by a modified crossface submission hold.

The full video can be viewed in the player below:

EC3 In Impact Wrestling

Known as Ethan Carter III, EC3 is a 2x former TNA World Heavyweight Champion. There’s a chance he could end up in the Impact World Title fatal 4-way match tonight at Slammiversary. One spot is open in the match that will determine a new title-holder for the vacant belt.

EC3 never won a title in WWE other than the 24/7 championship, which he held on 4 occasions.

• EC3 Says He’ll Fight On The Same Date As Slammiversary

EC3 did a recent Facebook Live video where he took questions from fans. 

During the chat, some fans asked the former WWE and Impact Wrestling star about his next move in the pro wrestling business. At one point, a fan stated that he better be the mystery man in the main event of Impact Wrestling’s Slammiversary pay-per-view event or the person would riot. 

EC3 responded, “There have been enough riots in the world, do we really need to riot over a wrestling show, I don’t know, perhaps. July 18th is a great day for a fight. I will fight July 18th.”

The next person stated that they’re looking forward to Slammiversary and EC3 said, “It’s probably gonna be a great show.”

Finally, a fan asked when he will decide where he’s going. EC3 stated, “I’m going to go wherever my heart takes me, wherever a fight arises that I need to fight them.”

Of course, this comes at a time where the promotion has been teasing the return of EC3 to Impact as his entrance music was played after Moose successfully defended his TNA World Heavyweight Championship against Hernandez on a recent episode of Impact.

Impact holds the Slammiversary event on July 18th, which comes just a few days after July 15th. This date is when EC3’s non-compete clause with WWE expires and he’s free to sign with any promotion he wants. 

 Impact Wrestling has released a few commercials teasing that there would be surprise appearances and the return of a former World Champion at Slammiversary. There’s no word yet on whether EC3 will appear at the event. 

• EC3 Puts AEW Talent On Notice In Latest Video

IMPACT Wrestling have reportedly looked to the free agency market to bolster their roster over the coming weeks.

Fightful recently reported that the AXS TV hosted brand are specifically looking at recently released WWE talents. With former NXT Superstar Deonna Purrazzo having already debuted there’s a chance that other released Superstars aren’t far behind.

Gallows and Anderson to IMPACT

Arguably the two biggest names, already somewhat confirmed, are Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson. The former Bullet Club and OC stablemates have teased heading to AXS TV over the last few weeks, with a return to New Japan Pro Wrestling also on the horizon for the two. There have been teases for the two on IMPACT recently, with Scott D’more stating that he was on a call to some “Good Brothers.”

As we reported recently, EC3 has sent a stark warning to the AEW roster; seemingly showing his intent to debut for the TNT hosted company in the near future. IMPACT themselves have teased the arrival of EC3 over the past month, and there’s a good chance that Ethan Carter III makes his way back to the brand that elevated him to main event status.

Eric Young

Another name that is being considered is Eric Young. EY was once viewed as a stalwart an ‘lifer’ at TNA/IMPACT, having been a lower to mid card level comedy act with Team Canada before rising the ranks and winning the TNA World Heavyweight Championship in 2014; defeating now NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion Nick Aldis.

There has not been any confirmation on whether Heath Slater will be heading to IMPACT in the near future. Slater’s former tag team partner Rhyno teased that he had a tag team partner who’s “got kids.” So there’s a more than good chance he’ll be coming into the fold.

There’s not much opportunity of these talents ‘moving the needle’ for IMPACT if they’re brought to AXS TV. However, all five are competent performers who have the benefit of being ‘underutilized’ by WWE over the past few years. This gives IMPACT the opportunity to really highlight the abilities of Gallows, Anderson, EC3, Young and Slater and it not feel like they’re purely taking scraps from WWE’s table.

Who would you like to see IMPACT bring into the company in the coming weeks? Let us know in the comments

Also Check Out:

• Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows Reportedly To Work For Both NJPW & Impact
• Heath Slater Teases Going To Impact Wrestling
• Impact Adds Gauntlet Match To Slammiversary Lineup
• EC3 Puts AEW Talent On Notice In Latest Video
• Impact Terminates Contract Of World Champion Tessa Blanchard

EC3 got fans talking over the latest video that he shared on his official Twitter account. 

Earlier this week, Impact Wrestling released a commercial to promote their Slammiversary pay-per-view event.

The video showed a news anchor announcing how several WWE stars had been let go and that their futures are unknown while the world deals with the pandemic. 

The video EC3 shared indicates that he could be the mystery man shown watching the commercial as he removed the hoodie to reveal himself. His video featured footage shown in the commercial with flashes of various stars who had previously worked in Impact. 

Although not confirmed, a theory is going around that is how the mystery man will be revealed at Slammiversary. 

All WWE stars that were released in April including those in the commercial are under 90-day no-compete that will expire a few days before Slammiversary 

This could just be his way to play into the rumors or he could be the mystery man. Nothing is confirmed until the PPV event that takes place on Sunday, July 18th. No matches have been announced for this show. 

• Impact Teasing Former WWE Talent Appearing At Slammiversary

EC3 was back at it again with another warning video posted on his official Twitter account. 

This is where he pledged the destruction of his former self, meaning WWE character, and not be the corporately made persona anymore. He also talked about how he’s not reliant on the authority to make out right and wrong as well as finding freedom. 

This is all part of his new gimmick that he came up with following his WWE release. He has changed his look by cutting his hair shorter and growing a goatee. You can check out his latest warning video here: 

EC3 was just one of many talent and staff who was released by WWE last month due to budget cuts as a result of the financial impact of the coronavirus. 

Just a few days ago, EC3 cut a promo in a video shared on Twitter where he put over The Revolt, the tag team formerly known as The Revival. 

Just like all that were released by the company, his non-compete clause is slated to expire in July. Until then, he won’t be able to sign with any promotion nor can they legally make him a contract offer or appear on its programming. 

• EC3 Sends Out A Warning: Fear The Revolt (Video)

Maxwell Jacob Friedman is currently on the shelf with a hangnail. He updated fans on his condition during the latest episode of AEW Dynamite. Recently, MJF took a shot at both EC3 and Drake Maverick on Facebook. Friedman said that EC3’s new gimmick appears to be a Jon Moxley rip-off and he told him and Maverick to sign with Impact Wrestling since they are the only promotion who would take them.

“Hey Essential Character III (EC3) or whatever name you call yourself these days, why don’t you take your loser gimmick back to Impact Wrestling, the only company that will take your new Jon Moxley rip off character and take that irritating little weasel Drake Maverick/Rockstar Spud with you!” MJF wrote on Facebook. “Extended an olive branch to you and what did you do with it, spat in the face of someone who is better than you and you know it!”

EC3 had mentioned MJF in a recent video he posted.

“The Top 1% is a character that could garner a reaction, to entertain you, and its a character I could do better than anybody else, MJF,” EC3 says in the video. “It was a reality, though, that I simply imitated.”

• EC3 Has Already Reinvented Himself Following WWE Release (Video)

EC3’s video can be seen in the player below:

EC3 recently had an interview with Fightful wrestling where he talked about things like his friendship with Rockstar Spud, Spud being signed by WWE before him and more.

The former NXT star first made his name during his run with Impact Wrestling where he won the Impact World title twice before leaving the company in January, 2018.

Talking about his departure, EC3 revealed that he actually asked for his release from the promotion before his contract expired. Discussing the reason behind his decision, the former World Champion said that he needed a big change:

“I decided to leave early because of the transitions going and I just thought it was a good time for other people to step up and a good time for me to challenge myself somewhere else at the moment.

I had to do something different especially [with] where my personal life was at the time, I needed a big change.” said EC3. “At the time I was pretty well compensated so I think they were okay with taking me off the books because they also wanted to build new and fresh people” [Transcription: SEScoops]

• Also Read: Edge Believes WWE Running WrestleMania Is Very Important

The former Impact wrestler also commented on his decision to sign with WWE and said that while he had talks with multiple promotions, signing with the company was something he felt he needed to accomplish.

Apart from this, EC3 talked about things like Braun Strowman only having two pair of wrestling pants, founding AIW and more. You can check out his full interview below:

Many believe that the former Impact Champion EC3 would be a good fit for AEW roster and the AEW World Champion Chris Jericho is now teasing the same.

The former WWE star recently met EC3 in Orlando and he later posted a photo with the former Impact star from his official Instagram account.

What’s interesting to note here is that in the caption of the photo, Jericho claimed that ‘big things’ are coming in the future for the current WWE star and he then proceeded to tag the official account of AEW in the post:

While this could just be the former WWE star teasing the fans, his post has sparked rumors with many wondering if we can see EC3 joining the roster of All Elite in near future.

After his stint with WWE from 2009 to 2013, EC3 returned to the company in early 2018. In December the same year, it was announced that he will be making his main roster debut; however, he hasn’t done much since being called up.

EC3 has been part of some minor storylines since his main roster call up. He was even repaired with his old manager Drake Maverick for a bit in April 2019 but it was reported that Vince McMahon didn’t like this pairing and he had ‘given up’ on the former Champion.

So far there is no news on how much time there is left on EC3’s current deal with WWE but it’s sure that this post from Jericho will give the company a reason to try and persuade him to sign a new, long term contract.

Two WWE stars are on the shelf as they are dealing with injuries, according to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

First up is the more notable name that is EC3. The WWE star is currently out of action with a concussion. Although he’s a member of the RAW roster, he hasn’t been used much on the main roster.

He suffered the concussion at the end of September. As of this writing, there’s no word yet on when EC3 will be back or medically cleared by WWE doctors. 

His last match came back on September 30th when he teamed with Eric Young for a loss to Lince Dorado and Gran Metalikat the WWE Main Event tapings. 

Prior to being injured, EC3 was still trying to find his way while on the main roster since being called up earlier this year from NXT

Bully Ray Thinks EC3 Would Be Better Off In NXT

The other star is Ilja Dragunov, who currently works on the NXT UK brand. It was just noted that he’s injured and his exact injury wasn’t reported. Just like EC3, there’s no word yet on when he will be back in action. 

Dragunov missed a gig this past week that included taking on Imperium’s Alexander Wolfe in the main event of a wXw event.

During this week’s episode of WWE Main Event, a new stable made its debut featuring Raw stars. Robert Roode, EC3, and Cesaro tagged up together to defeat the Lucha House Party.

Renee Young on commentary said that she has the scoop about the team. She revealed that the the boys are calling themselves “The Main Event Muscle Men”. However, EC3 later clarified that the name is not an official handle. EC3 wrote on Twitter, “The commentary stated that in one of my therapy sessions with @ReneeYoungWWE, I had a lucid dream that I formed a trio with Mr. Roode and Mr. Cesaro and in that dream we were dubbed “The Mainevent Muscle Men.”

By no means was that an official handle. But dreams come true.”

It would be interesting to see how this new stable makes their Raw debut, or if they even make it at all. The group could work as a decent upper mid-card heel stable but it all depends on what direction WWE takes with them.

WWE star EC3 sent out an interesting tweet after this Monday’s episode of RAW in Los Angeles, CA at the Staples Center.

This was when he was introduced as a potential Special Guest Referee for Baron Corbin vs. WWE Universal Champion Seth Rollins at Stomping Grounds. This led to Rollins hitting him in the back with a steel chair and then a comedy bit with The New Day.

Following the segment, EC3 took to his official Twitter account where he sent out this sad tweet:

In December WWE officials made the call that it was the right time for him to be placed on the main roster by working on the RAW.

Ever since then, WWE hasn’t done much with him. He’s been used in backstage segments and working Main Event TV tapings and used in segments involving the WWE 24/7 Title.

John Cena Thanks WWE

John Cena took some time out of his busy schedule to offer thanks to WWE for being in his life. He was backstage at Monday’s RAW but didn’t appear on the broadcast.

The former WWE Champion wrote the following on his Twitter account:

EC3 could be the latest WWE Superstar to get a manager. In a match which took place before last night’s Smackdown got underway, Drake Maverick performed as EC3’s manager in a match against Luke Harper.

Several people on social media have posted video of EC3’s match against Harper and his new pairing with the 205 Live General Manager:

Drake Maverick To Manage EC3?

Unfortunately for EC3, his pairing with Drake Maverick didn’t result in a win last night. He dropped the dark match to Luke Harper.

It’s been a grind for EC3, who began appearing on the main roster in January. He boasts a 3-3 win/loss record in televised single’s matches. He’s defeated: Dean Ambrose (RAW), Apollo Crews (Main Event), and Tyler Breeze (Main Event). EC3 has been defeated by: Dean Ambrose (RAW), Apollo Crews (Main Event), and Tyler Breeze (Main Event).

EC3 also competed in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 35.

He told media last month that he felt there was still things left for him to do in NXT. Still, EC3 says, he’s where he wants to be.

• EC3 Feels He Could Have Done More In NXT Prior To Call Up

“What a brand [NXT is], phenomenal talent. I don’t have regrets, but I have, ‘Man I could’ve done… there’s so much more that could’ve been done’, but at the same time, my number was called. This is what I want, this is where I am, this is where I wanna be so, the work prepared me for this.”

A few days ago, EC3 celebrated his birthday — a fact that WWE wanted to acknowledge. The WWE Universe Twitter account posted their birthday wishes to “The Top One Percent” but probably weren’t expecting a response from the birthday boy himself, let alone the one they got.

In a succinct response, EC3 would write back:

“Thanks. Catering was delicious.”

Thanks. Catering was delicious.

— ecIII (@therealec3) March 18, 2019

“My Number Was Called”

EC3 has recently expressed that he felt he could have done more during his time in WWE NXT, the company’s supposed development brand, prior to being called up to their main roster.

He joined Lacey Evans, Heavy Machinery, Nikki Cross and a yet-to-debut Lars Sullivan in their move up. This shake up was heavily promoted through video vignettes during the last part of 2018 and was intended to freshen up WWE’s main rosters.

It is fair to say that WWE has yet to truly capitalize and utilize any of these former NXT Superstars accordingly, hence EC3’s obvious frustration and current opinion on WWE’s catering services.

Although he states he has no regrets, he does believe that there was “so much more that could’ve been done” but admits “at the same time, my number was called.”

In recent months rumors have circulated The Revival as well as Mike and Maria Kanellis’ unhappiness with their position in the company. Hideo Itami and Tye Dillinger requested their releases from the company, making it apparent EC3 isn’t alone with his frustrations.

So where does EC3 go from here? Does he still have a place on the main roster, or would he be better served by returning to NXT?

EC3 was one of the names touted by WWE as they promoted a number of NXT talent who were heading to their main roster. He would join the likes of Lacey Evans, Heavy Machinery, and more as their move was hyped through video packages on both RAW and SmackDown.

WWE, however, still hasn’t really utilized him much since moving him away from NXT — something that hasn’t gone unnoticed by the WWE Universe or EC3 himself.

NX3

Speaking with the Gorilla Position podcast, EC3 divulged that he believed he had more to give in NXT before his call up.

He reflects that, though he wasn’t there long, he used his time there to hone his skills, preparing for when the call up came. Listing his feuds with Undisputed Era, Velveteen Dream, and his inclusion in the North American Championship ladder match as notable moments, EC3 stated that his tenure was more about taking his “game” back a few steps, so he could “prepare it for when this opportunity did come.”

Despite not having any regrets, EC3 does become wistful as he shares his feelings on moving up to the main roster.

“What a brand [NXT is], phenomenal talent. I don’t have regrets, but I have, ‘Man I could’ve done… there’s so much more that could’ve been done’, but at the same time, my number was called. This is what I want, this is where I am, this is where I wanna be so, the work prepared me for this. I don’t wanna say it was unfulfilled but definitely more, I could’ve done…man, I really wanted to throw Ricochet into the blazing sun,” he joked. “I just really wanted to do that, but, no, it was great. Great brand. Great future. Excellent product so, very fortunate to be a part of it even if it was just a very small part.”

He would debut with a victory over Dean Ambrose on the 2/4 edition of Monday Night RAW. Despite this huge victory, however, EC3 has not been able to maintain momentum, losing a string of matches since February, including a recent Main Event match to Tyler Breeze.

H/T to Fightful for the transcription.

On this week’s episode of WWE NXT, both Nikki Cross and EC3 wrestled their final matches for the black and yellow brand prior to their imminent main roster debuts.

The two were named in a hype video that WWE released, highlighting a number of NXT superstars that had been called up to appear on either Monday Night Raw or SmackDown Live.

Taking to her Twitter account, Nikki Cross reminisced on her time with the company, saying, “See you down the road @WWENXT This isn’t goodbye…we caused far too much mischief and had too much fun doing it for this to be it…”

https://twitter.com/NikkiCrossWWE/status/1083182120145694720

Nikki Cross would compete in a losing effort against rising NXT superstar, Bianca Belair. EC3 would wrestle later that night against Undisputed Era member, Adam Cole. He would also come up short during their match, thanks to outside interference from the rest of UE.

There is still no official word as to which brand Cross and EC3 will end up on. It is rumored that EC3 may end up on Raw, with Nikki Cross joining her Sanity cohorts on SmackDown Live.

Other NXT wrestlers that have been called up include Lars Sullivan, Lacey Evans, and Heavy Machinery.

Which brand do you think suits each superstar? Do you think they’ll debut soon? Who would you want to see them feud with?

Recently, both EC3 and Lacey Evans were officially announced via a WWE hype video that they would soon be moving up to WWE’s main roster. They join a number of other NXT superstars in this move.

Prior to last night’s Monday Night Raw, both EC3 and Evans wrestled during the taping for Main Event. This led many to speculate that these matches were not only their main roster television debuts but also an indications that they would end up on the red brand.

According to Dave Meltzer of f4wonline.com, both matches were dark matches and will supposedly not air on television this week.

During the Main Event show, Lacey Evans would face off against Natalya in a losing effort to start the night. EC3 would then compete with Curt Hawkins, picking up a victory in the process.

With members of this incoming group of NXT superstars saying their good-byes and wrestling their final NXT matches, it’s only a matter of time until we see them on either Raw or SmackDown Live.

The full group of NXT talent coming to the main roster include Lars Sullivan, Lacey Evans, EC3, Sanity’s Nikki Cross, and Heavy Machinery.

What do you make of this? Was WWE wanting to see what EC3/Evans were capable of before deciding which brand to assign them to?

Two WWE NXT stars made their main roster debuts when WWE taped this week’s edition of Main Event in Orlando, FL at the Amway Center before RAW went live on Monday night.

Those stars are EC3 and Lacey Evans. These are just two stars that WWE has been hyping the arrival from NXT to the main roster whether that be on RAW or Smackdown Live.

During the taping, Evans lost to Natalya while EC3 beat Curt Hawkins. Jacob Cohen, who was in attendance, noted that there were dueling “Let’s Go Hawkins” and “EC3” chants during the singles match.

Lacey Evans is making her main roster debut on Main Event. #RAW #RAWOrlando #LaceyEvans pic.twitter.com/tvNEy1T7mE

— The Rogue Fan (@TheRogueFan) January 8, 2019

Scoop #2: Curt Hawkins vs EC3 on Main Event pic.twitter.com/gFJVWy9FAM

— Jacob Cohen (@MrJacobCohen) January 8, 2019

Scoop #3: EC3 defeats Curt Hawkins on Main Event

There were dueling “Lets Go Hawkins” and “EC3” chants during the match pic.twitter.com/22iP68T2Nn

— Jacob Cohen (@MrJacobCohen) January 8, 2019

Lars Sullivan, Heavy Machinery’s Tucker Knight & Otis Dozovic, and Nikki Cross, are expected to be called up to the main roster in the near future.

Evans worked her final match in NXT on Sunday night at a live event where she teamed with Aliyah in a losing effort to Kairi Sane & Xia Li in a tag team match in Durham, North Carolina.

Also, EC3 worked his last NXT match at this show when he teamed up with War Raiders (Hanson & Rowe) to defeat The Undisputed ERA (Bobby Fish, Kyle O’Reilly & Roderick Strong) in a six-man tag team match.

With Evans and EC3 working Main Event, it’s likely that they will be featured on the red brand.

WWE stars certainly enjoyed their holiday breaks this week. As we’ve mentioned, this week’s episodes of Monday Night RAW and SmackDown Live were pre-taped last week. This was in order for WWE stars to get the opportunity to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with their families.

However, some Superstars’ holiday breaks went better than others. NXT star EC3 recently took to Twitter to wish his fans a Merry Christmas this week. EC3 also included in the Tweet that he was battling the flu and was spending his Christmas Eve “violently throwing up”:

“Merry Christmas to you all. I spent last night violently throwing up with the flu. I hope you have a blessed and charmed day with those you love the most.”

Merry Christmas to you all. I spent last night violently throwing up with the flu. I hope you have a blessed and charmed day with those you love the most. pic.twitter.com/ezT3oBOQEe

— ecIII (@therealec3) December 25, 2018

EC3 seems to be a part of WWE’s plans to shake things up in the coming months. The McMahon Family recently announced on RAW that they will be giving WWE fans more of what they’re asking for. This includes new Superstars in the form of NXT call-ups. Several names have already been confirmed for the main roster.

In addition to EC3, Lacey Evans, Nikki Cross, Heavy Machinery, and Lars Sullivan have all been announced to be making their main roster debuts. We wish EC3 a speedy recovery, and can’t wait to see him step into the squared circle on WWE’s main roster soon!

What do you think about EC3 getting the call up to WWE’s main roster?

An interesting name decided to congratulate EC3 for being called up from WWE NXT to the main roster. On Monday, the WWE announced that EC3 alongside Lars Sullivan, Lacey Evans, Nikki Cross, Lars Sullivan, and Heavy Machinery would be headed to the main roster. As of this writing, WWE has yet to reveal which brands these stars will be featured on.

Former TNA President Dixie Carter took to her official Twitter account where she reacted to the former TNA World Heavyweight Champion being moved to the main roster. Dixie wrote, “So proud of you E! Congrats to @wwe too… Can’t wait to watch you hold those major titles in the air. Love you, Aunt D #toponepercent #wwe #raw #smackdown”

So proud of you E! Congrats to @wwe too… Can’t wait to watch you hold those major titles in the air. Love you, Aunt D #toponepercent #wwe #raw #smackdown https://t.co/PItJMUM0vl

— Dixie Carter (@TNADixie) December 18, 2018

EC3 also commented on being called up to the main roster when he wrote, “Giving the people what they want.”

Giving the people what they want. #raw pic.twitter.com/fkDyjX6ihZ

— ecIII (@therealec3) December 18, 2018

There is history between EC3 and Carter stemming from his stint in TNA Wrestling, now known as Impact Wrestling. Once EC3 departed from the WWE around 2013, TNA hired him and brought him into the storylines as Dixie’s nephew, Ethan Carter III. Moving along to January of this year, WWE signed EC3 after he had a successful run in TNA and placed him in NXT. The only change to his character was shortening his name.

On yesterday’s episode of Monday Night RAW, the show was opened up by an announcement from The McMahon Family. Triple H, Vince McMahon, Stephanie McMahon, and Shane McMahon all shared the ring. The four said that changes would be coming to WWE and deemed the WWE Universe the new “Authority.”

Those changes previously mentioned will include new Superstars. That can only mean NXT call-ups. While NXT star Lars Sullivan has been teased to make his main roster debut for weeks now, several more names recently joined him. WWE is now advertising EC3, Heavy Machinery, Lacey Evens, and Nikki Cross to join the main roster soon.

These NXT stars took to Twitter during the show to react to the news. Here’s what they had to say:

“Giving the people what they want. #raw“

Giving the people what they want. #raw pic.twitter.com/fkDyjX6ihZ

— ecIII (@therealec3) December 18, 2018

“My brother @WWEDozovic and I have been living the #STEAKSandWEIGHTS life together for 2 and half years. We formed the unit #HeavyMachinery and the goal for us was always #Raw or #SmackDown. The Blue Collar Boys are hungry and we’re coming to eat!”

My brother @WWEDozovic and I have been living the #STEAKSandWEIGHTS life together for 2 and half years. We formed the unit #HeavyMachinery and the goal for us was always #Raw or #SmackDown. The Blue Collar Boys are hungry and we’re coming to eat! pic.twitter.com/x5wL67k2YH

— Levi Cooper (@REALLeviCooper) December 18, 2018

“I’m coming……and bringing the class yall. #Blessed“

I'm coming……and bringing the class yall?
.#Blessed https://t.co/Sc7sUhWNbj

— Macey Estrella (@LimitlessMacey) December 18, 2018

“Where oh where will Nikki go?! Hehe or haha? Red or blue? Blue or red? Big blue sky or shiny red red gem? To a galaxy or a universe hehehe haha follow the yellow brick road OH MY”

https://twitter.com/NikkiCrossWWE/status/1074854356674060288

“#TUCKy We’re COMINNNNNNN’ to Monday Night @WWE #RAW AAAAASSSSA! #BlueCollarSolid #HeavyMachinery #STEAKSandWEIGHTS #WorkinMansPHD#DOZER“

#TUCKy We’re COMINNNNNNN’ to Monday Night @WWE #RAW

AAAAASSSSA!?? #BlueCollarSolid #HeavyMachinery #STEAKSandWEIGHTS #WorkinMansPHD #DOZER pic.twitter.com/EJMmIUM9pj

— OTIS (DOZER) (@otiswwe) December 18, 2018

What do you think about these NXT stars getting the call-up to the main roster?