After a successful three year run in NWA, which saw him capture both the NWA National Title and NWA World Heavyweight Championship, EC3 has confirmed his departure from the promotion.

Announcing the news via Twitter, EC3 wrote:

MY TIME WITH THE NATIONAL WRESTLING ALLIANCE HAS COME TO AN END.

I’m grateful for the opportunities I was given and the people I shared the work with.

The Top 1% was never a “gimmick.” It is a standard. Future actions will reflect that.

BECOMING IS SELF-OVERCOMING… MAN THE #overMAN YEAR AS NWA WORLDS CHAMPION MATTERED TO ME

Over 80 defenses, across four continents. Initiating collaborations, building momentum, opening doors. Work done. Responsibility carried. Asses kicked.

THERE WERE MOMENTS I’M ESPECIALLY PROUD OF: SAMHAIN, in my home base of Cleveland, Ohio against Latimer. The ULTIMATE MATCH or DEATH against Cardona. Defending the championship in my first (and only) match against Jax Dane. And yes, I retired Tyrus. You’re welcome.

That run came with wear. It came with cost. It came with people showing up. Being champion isn’t just about “holding gold” and performing. It’s about carrying weight when no one’s watching.

I treated the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship with respect; for its history, its legacy, and what it’s meant to represent.

LEGACY REQUIRES A STANDARD.

I’M PROUD OF THE WORK

– ec3

EC3 officially signed with NWA in 2022, two years after he was released by WWE in April 2020.

It’s not yet clear what EC3’s plans for the future are following his NWA exit, but we will provide further updates if he signs with another promotion.

pic.twitter.com/tnSb6fNMep

— ecIII (@therealec3) January 1, 2026

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Matt Cardona has become one of the biggest stars on the independent wrestling scene and even won the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship in 2022.

However, the former Zack Ryder was forced to relinquish the title due to injury in June 2022.

At NWA Paranoia on January 13, Cardona will challenge EC3 for the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship in the Ultimate Match of Death.

On January 10, Matt Cardona took to social media to preview the match and stated the only way NWA can thrive. He wrote:

“NWA Paranoia, it’s myself against EC3 for the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship. I know I sound like a broken record, but I’m the real Worlds Champion.”

“I never lost, and this is my chance to finally get it back in a Deathmatch, and I’m the Deathmatch King. EC3 calls himself the Overman, well I’m the Indy God, and I need to walk out as champ. Not just for me.”

Explaining why he needs to be a two-time NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion for the promotion to thrive, Cardona said:

“Of course, I want to be a two-time champ. But for Billy, for everybody in the back, for all the fans, and also EC3, for you. I need to beat you for you because quite frankly you need a place to work.”

“You need the NWA to not only survive, but to thrive. The only way that is going to happen is if I’m the face of the company.”

“Now EC3, you’ve done a great job as champion. I respect what you’ve done, I respect, you have evolved, you have controlled your narrative.”

“But now it’s time for the real Overman to take over, the Indy God, the Deathmatch King. This isn’t personal, EC3. I like you, you’ll always have a spot on the card.”

“But I am the top, I am the main event, I’m the show, I’m whatever it takes because I do whatever it takes. This Saturday, I don’t care what weapons you bring.”

“It doesn’t matter what you bring, bro. I’m the Deathmatch King. I beat Nick Gage. I beat the former king of the Deathmatch. There is no way I’m losing my throne and losing my crown to you, pal,”

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Heading into 2024 as NWA Heavyweight Champion, EC3 has once again proven to be a success outside of WWE’s walls.

Having spent two different multi-year spells in the company; first between 2009-2013 and secondly between 2018-2020, EC3 unfortunately found little of that same fortune while working for Vince McMahon’s company.

After being released from WWE in 2020, EC3 invested his frustrations into building the Control Your Narrative promotion, which featured now-WWE talents Karrion Kross, Braun Strowman and others.

While that project was short-lived, EC3 has managed to re-package it somewhat into a new promotion known as Exodus Pro; an affiliate of the NWA.

EC3 discussed Exodus Pro in a new interview with Bleeding Cool, and while doing so shared his thoughts and frustrations on his WWE tenure:

“NWA Exodus Pro is a passion project, and we are fortunate enough to be one of the first territorial affiliates of the NWA in the new era.

“It came from controlling your narrative. It came knowing what I wanted, not necessarily a promotion, but I wanted that to be a platform for talent to be discovered or reinvent themselves.

“That was my creative outlet during the pandemic, and I’m getting fired. It was kind of like therapy in my very, very real life.

“You know, the WWE run was dog sh*t. It sucked dirty, hairy balls, let’s be honest. But I said to myself, I’m a better speaker than almost everybody on this roster, and I never had a chance to speak.

“So, the idea stemmed from that with CYN. I will put a better promo out every week than anybody’s doing regarding context and creativity.

“Maybe not production value or eyes seeing it, but creatively, I will put out something better than you see on Monday or Friday night.

“So, the real germ of it all was CYN. What it really meant was to tell your story. I could tell mine, and I wanted to create something that allowed others to tell theirs.

“So, after I made the necessary adjustments and cut the necessary people out of my life, I repackaged that as Exodus.”

EC3 is set to defend his NWA Heavyweight Championship against fellow former WWE star Matt Cardona at NWA Paranoia on January 13 in a death match.

One of NWA’s biggest stars; who is reportedly the subject of interest from WWE, is set to be a free agent at the end of 2023; to find out full details on this click here.

For all other WWE news follow this link here.

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On November 7, WWE announced they had reached a five-year agreement with The CW Network to bring NXT to the network starting October 2024. This followed recent reports that NWA were in talks with The CW to bring two programs, their NWA Power weekly show and a reality series based on the promotion.

However, at NWA Samhain, the promotion aired a controversial segment featuring a party with wrestlers doing cocaine. This led to social media criticism for CW that reportedly affected the NWA’s deal negatively.

When Nick Hausman of Haus of Wrestling reached out to him following reports of NWA talent growing frustrated with Billy Corgan following the news, NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion EC3 issued the following statement:

1) no apology necessary (Hausman had apologized for contacting him later than planned)

2) This has never been communicated to me via talent or otherwise, and I communicate with all. A truly professional wrestler should be prepared for anything at anytime. They should be able to perform based on whatever opportunity is provided. “Plans in advance” OFTEN change.
There isn’t one wrestling company that this isn’t the case for.

While sometimes knowing in advance can be beneficial, perhaps in envisioning long form character arc and story told, a lot of the best moments and actions come when capable talent are put on the spot and trust their skills and intuition in the moments.

The day of the show provides AMPLE time if a talent requires to verbatim script a promo or “put together a match.” Neither should take long especially if/when a talent is confident in character, work, and ability.

Personally, I prefer to have a direction, then allowed the open canvas to create how I achieve that direction. I know WHO I AM and WHERE I WANT TO GO. I think others should trust themselves to do the same. It’s how good stories are told.

EX: Tonight on NWA POWERRR (6:05) I have a promo segment that I was informed of day of the show. I was given the destination that is taking us. I conversed with the talent involved on their goals and mission and end business for the segment. Then I had 5 hours till it was filmed. I was pleased with how it turned out.

By being present in the moment, you are always prepared for anything.

Continued in a moment have to do something

3) infrastructure is great and required on all facets of a growing business. Infrastructure is more imperative on a BUSINESS END than a CREATIVE END.

True creativity is a collaboration, and talents should be absolutely thankful they have freedom to explore as creatives because before they know it, they will work their asses off to one day maybe get an opportunity to BE A MUTE.

I don’t know what facets of growth are being held up that we would require a bakers dozens of low level Hollywood writers who have never seen wrestling, never been in a fight for anything, or never had an experience in athletic victory/defeat.

If it’s about promotional material or who is “being pushed” it’s not rocket science on who that is, but it’s also a HUGE OPPORTUNITY for a talent who might not be, to put themselves out there, show why they are special, and capture that. Simply by utilizing the team we have, from socials, to peers, a talent can send a promo to the team, get it aired. A talent can try an idea they have, film it, it can air. A talent can EASILY (and this is rare) TALK TO THE BOSS and pitch ideas.

I watched our boss sit and listen to a bunch of promos from extras (who don’t really have a shot), watch a bunch of practice matches from extras (who aren’t TV ready) and offer that to all.

Just because a talent is there, and semi being utilized, doesn’t mean anything is handed. Entitlement and complacency will have them, what, Anonymously bitching to the internet?

Post a seminar I did, I spent hours discussing non contracted talents with WPC so we can provide them legitimate feedback, again, even if they aren’t close to TV ready.

Why? Because we love this and share the same ideals that people deserve opportunity and the truth. I don’t think people understand the rarity of a boss who would put that time in. Took me a long time to find one.

Again, back to creative, I’d prefer one’s overall vision accompanied by a handful of trusted, experienced, smart “wrestling people” to see it through.

Again though, hindsight 20/20 sometimes there can be too much freedom and people do dumb things.

I hope that answer was sufficient.

4) I know only my business, and my business alone as far as contracts and older talent etc. I’m very happy with mine as I get to represent and grow the brand, while also challenge myself with other creative endeavors in wrestling and beyond. While NWA is my home, I can spread our, and my own, brand on multiple fronts.

This industry is a constant test. Being “frustrated by tests” is, just, something I’d never say or complain about (to the internet.) If I am challenged to do something, in lieu of frustrated complaining, I’d channel that frustration to take whatever test I’ve been given, and get better by accepting the challenge. Even if it’s just a “F-U” to the person who put me through it.

It’s not “gaining approval.” It’s showing competency and will. It’s showing you want it. It’s showing you have value. It’s showing you’re worth investing in.

If that’s too much, don’t come. I have countless people reaching out to me daily trying to get in.

And also, as I’ve said to the locker room before, I am ALWAYS AVAILABLE if anyone ever wants to or needs to have a conversation. I don’t know if I’ll be right, but I will give my best effort and opinion in complete confidence.

Details on why NWA talent are growing frustrated with Billy Corgan have been revealed, which you can read at this link.

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Following reports that Triple H has taken over “99.9%” of the company’s creative reins, it was reported that Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel was behind this change.

Speaking on Sportskeeda’s ‘The Wrestling Outlaws show, EC3 argued that Triple H overseeing creative is for the best.

He explained:

“If it is true, Triple H has a great mind, obviously, for the industry and the business, and I think, as the booker, there’s so much out of his control, not out of his control, but probably why he can’t oversee.

“But I think grandiose long-term vision, that something that Triple H has. I think Vince probably is best utilized in a role where he chimes in and has that power where he can defer, which was an issue for so many years that he wouldn’t defer anything from creative to business.

“When you get old, you lose your mind, if you’re not deferring to people that you trust, you’re not really leading; you’re a tyrant. So I think if Triple H has the pencil, it’s probably pretty good.”

While EC3 was presented as a star during his stint in a Triple H-led NXT following his return to the company in 2018.

EC3’s starpower didn’t carry over to the main roster, with the talent mainly used in enhancement or comedic roles ahead of his release in April 2020.

Ari Emanuel’s plans for Vince McMahon after removing him from creative have potentially been revealed.

Transcription via Sportskeeda. 

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At NWA 75th Anniversary Show, EC3 defeated Tyrus to win the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship.

This latest milestone for the former WWE star is a long way from his humble beginnings in the wrestling world that saw him as a rookie during season four of the original NXT with Bryan Danielson, known as Daniel Bryan, as his pro.

With Danielson announcing that he is in his final year of his full-time run, it seems like EC3 wants to lock horns with his former mentor.

Speaking on The Kurt Angle Show, EC3 was asked if he would like to defend the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Title against Bryan Danielson. He answered:

“I would 100%, as long as the small package is outlawed.”

“I worked with Daniel Bryan once, we did one match against each other on NXT season four.”

“You wrestle good guys, and then you lock up with a guy like that and it’s, ‘Oh, this is how it’s supposed to be.’ Just that moment takes you up to the next level.” 

Danielson has been known for his very tight small package since his days as Ring of Honor World Champion in the 2000s.

EC3 is set to make his next defense of the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship against Thom Latimer at NWA Samhain.

Transcription via Fightful

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Since leaving WWE in 2020, Matt Cardona has quickly become one of the most sought after free agents in the entire industry.

With successful stints in GCW, IMPACT Wrestling, NWA, among others, Cardona has made himself a highly touted independent wrestler who has made his presence known across the business.

Matt Cardona currently holds a variety of titles including the Internet Champioship, Xcite International Champion, DDT Universal Championship, HOG Heavyweight Championship, and more.

Speaking at a Starrcast media scrum (courtesy of MuscleManMalcolm), Cardona commented on the current NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion EC3. He said:

“Listen, I go way back with Tyrus. He had a hell of a run. I love Tyrus. I’m glad he got to go out on his own terms.”

“EC3, we’ve had history together, but I never lost the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship. I tore my bicep, I came back in record time.”

“Billy Corgan stripped me of the title. I respected his decision. I think it was the wrong move, but it’s not my company. So, as far as I’m concerned, EC3, he’s really just holding my title,”

Cardona held the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship in 2022, but he never lost the title and instead had to relinquish the title due to injury.

The former Zack Ryder is now working with Major League Wrestling and set his attention on MLW Heavyweight Champion Alex Kane. He stated:

“He’s gonna lose the title to me. Because I’m not coming to MLW or any company just to have a good match. Who gives a s**t?”

“I’m coming for buzz, money, and gold. If I can’t get all three of those things, I just won’t work there. It’s that simple,” 

Matt Cardona defeated Mance Warner in a Kiss My Foot Match at MLW Fury Road last weekend.

Transcription via Fightful

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The main event of NWA 75 saw Tyrus defend the NWA World’s Heavyweight Championship against EC3 in a Texas Bullrope Match. The added stipulation being that if Tyrus lost, he would be forced to retire.

EC3 forced Tyrus to submit to win his first NWA World’s Heavyweight Title and force the former Brodus Clay to retire.

Following the main event, the former WWE star was given the chance to say goodbye to the fans.

In his post match speech, Tyrus thanked everybody in the National Wrestling Alliance for the opportunity. He also thanked Dr. Tom Prichard and Pat Patterson, among others.

EC3 returned to the ring to hand his version of the NWA World’s Heavyweight Championship to Tyrus, which was made specifically for him. The new champion noted that they wanted Tyrus to keep it before other wrestlers gave their farewells to the former WWE star.

Outside of his work in NWA, Tyrus was previously known for his work in WWE as Brodus Clay and his stint in IMPACT Wrestling. He’s also a part of Gutfeld on Fox News

The reign of terror is over!
EC3 is the new NWA World's Heavyweight Champion.

Tyrus must now retire from wrestling. #NWA75 pic.twitter.com/Vo8ZrAVCQT

— 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐕𝐞𝐧 (@WrestlingCovers) August 28, 2023

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Goldberg is a free agent and has drawn attention from AEW’s MJF, though it’s a former WWE star now in Impact Wrestling who sees himself as an opponent.

EC3 recently discussed retiring the WWE Hall of Famer on The Wrestling Outlaws, saying:

“173-0, big deal, you had to lose to a cattle prod and a big sexy powerbomb? I eat big sexy powerbombs for breakfast! Then you know what, I sh*t Goldberg out of my assh*le.

“EC3, whose undefeated streak was actually legitimate and consistent for many, many years in Impact [wrestling], and I never lost to a Cattle Prod. Not once!

“So Bill, if you want your final match, have it against the final man to beat you – EC3!”

EC3 even predicted how the match would go should Goldberg be up to the challenge, stating:

“I’ll catch that spear, drop him on his bald head, and boom! Just like that. You know what? I’d probably make him tap too.”

It was recently reported that Tony Khan had potentially discussed an AEW match featuring Goldberg.

The match, if it were to materialize, would take place at AEW All In on August 27, 2023 in London, England’s iconic Wembley Stadium.

Transcript from Sportskeeda.

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Following AEW All Out 2022, CM Punk went on a verbal tirade blasting various stars in the company at the post-show media scrum, including AEW EVPs Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks.

After leaving the scrum, members of The Elite confronted Punk in his locker room where a reported backstage fight ensued that led to all parties involved being suspended. Punk and The Elite were also stripped of the AEW World Championship and AEW Trios Championships respectively.

In the months that followed, AEW President Tony Khan tried to steer the ship in the right direction following the incident.

On the latest edition of The Wrestling Outlaws, former WWE star EC3 claimed that he wanted to inspire Khan with an email following All Out 2022. He said:

“I emailed Tony [Khan], not at all with intent to get a job, that’s how I led off the email. But it was when all the initial [CM] Punk and Young Bucks thing went off.”

“Just because I thought he might be a guy who lacked anybody that would just — he doesn’t have a close relationship with [someone] to tell him something. It was just like an inspirational leadership message because, in theory, I do believe we need as much competition as possible for the sanctity of the industry.”

EC3 continued on to add that he sent the AEW CEO an inspirational message but never heard back from Khan, saying:

“So I sent him an inspirational message on leadership and what it takes to him at one point, never heard anything back.”

As previously reported, Tony Khan has slammed an ESPN reporter and WWE’s Nick Khan in a response on social media.

Transcription via Sportskeeda

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During the event’s pre-show, interviewer May Valentine revealed that EC3 has officially signed with the promotion, and that he’s bringing ‘Control Your Narrative’ with him.

EC3 then said that he intends to ‘ascend’ in the promotion, and that Control Your Narrative’s mission would continue at the event.

EC3 signed with WWE in 2018, where he spent a year on the NXT roster before moving to the main roster in January 2019.

He was released from the company in April 2020.

Since his WWE release, he has wrestled for a number of promotions including Ring of Honor, a return to IMPACT Wrestling and the formation of Control Your Narrative.

He is set to take on former WWE star Kevin Kiley (Alex Riley) on the show.

May Valentine has announced that EC3 has officially signed with NWA and he'll be bringing CYN with him. #NWANuffSaid pic.twitter.com/XRhdiBnuUy

— 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐕𝐞𝐧 (@WrestlingCovers) February 12, 2023

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Recent reports have suggested that he is in the process of finalising his new deal with WWE and will return in the new year.

Busted Open Radio’s Justin LaBar had suggested that part of the issue was the backstage climate within AEW, going on to suggest that “some in the AEW locker room” weren’t listening to the advice offered by the veteran of the business.

Brian Pillman Jr responded to this to clarify that there were “several” roster members who “spent multiple hours before TV working with Regal and learning from him”, and Pillman didn’t want the narrative to be that no-one was.

Former WWE star EC3 has now commented on the situation and seemingly added context to LaBar’s comments, speaking with Sportskeeda.

During the conversation, EC3 said:

“He’s too valuable to not be in a developmental system.

“And I know we can say ‘oh he’s there mentoring the people in AEW’, the thing is they are not listening.”

He would then contrast the difference between those who did listen and those who didn’t, stating:

“The talent doesn’t listen to veterans for the most part.

“The ones that do are knocking him in the back of the head with brass knuckles and are the World Champion.

“The other ones are doing moves all the way from Dynamite to Rampage to Dark, and nobody cares.”

EC3 would go on to reiterate the value of William Regal in NXT where he could shape future generations for WWE and compared this to what he’d been told about Regal’s impression of AEW from the highest levels:

“The word was he said ‘I immediately regret this decision, there’s very much a maturity issue here within management’. Verbatim.”

It’s believed Regal’s AEW contract expires this month (December 2022), despite the initial belief he’d signed for three years when he debuted in March.

Reports are that he will work for WWE in a “backstage role” when he’s back with the company in the new year.

Regal was released earlier this year by Vince McMahon’s management team before joining AEW, but he was a favorite of Paul Levesque (Triple H), who now runs the wrestling side of the company.

We’ll continue to keep you up to speed with all the updates on Regal’s status.

Transcript via SEScoops

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