EC3 originally joined WWE in 2009, appearing in Florida Championship Wrestling and later NXT. At the time WWE’s third brand was still presented as a reality TV show, while John Cena took an interest in the young black and gold brand during this period.
Cena’s interest in NXT famously played into a storyline where he feuded with The Nexus, a group of NXT ‘rookies’ including the likes of Wade Barrett, Bryan Danielson (Daniel Bryan) and later Bray Wyatt.
NXT Split Between John Cena And Triple H
Speaking on a recent episode of the Wrestling Outlaws, EC3 reflected on this period, noting that a number of stars came under the wing of John Cena, including two now-AEW stars.
“Rusev (Miro). A lot of the guys from the gym, Wade (Barrett), Drew (McIntyre), Sheamus…Sheamus was a Triple H guy too. Most of the guys that got it during that time; Trent Beretta, Bo Dallas.”
Continuing on, the former IMPACT Wrestling star said that it was Triple H that really had the power, meaning that ‘his’ guys were the ones getting opportunities.
“Triple H had the developmental power. His guys were getting more of the push, while John’s guys, who were getting over doing unique things and working hard, were kind of left aside.”
EC3 explained that he initially didn’t realise the split in the camp, until a former girlfriend pointed it out.
“My ex would actually say this. It seems like there are two teams in developmental. ‘What do you mean, Hon?’ She’s like, there’s a team of guys that John likes, and then there are other guys that Triple H likes. I didn’t really notice it, but it takes some outside perspective to watch what we’re doing and see that. And then I’m like, ‘Yeah, I think you’re right.'”
After his spell in NXT, EC3 was released in June 2013 and headed to IMPACT Wrestling, enjoying a lengthy stint which resulted in two World Title wins among other honours. The star returned to WWE and NXT in 2018 but failed to replicate the success he had enjoyed away from the company. EC3 was released for a second time in April 2020, going on to launch Control Your Narrative.
H/t to Sportskeeda