EC3 downplays latest WWE departures (Exclusive)

EC3 worked for WWE between 2009 and 2013 before returning for another run with the company from 2018 to 2020. In an exclusive video, the 42-year-old gave his thoughts on the latest talent departures.

Carlito, Shotzi, and Valhalla (aka Sarah Logan) were among the latest wrestlers to be let go by WWE. R-Truth was also due to leave when his contract expired. However, he returned a week later under his real name, Ron Killings, after fans and co-workers reacted negatively to his exit.

EC3 discussed the roster cuts on Sportskeeda's The Wrestling Outlaws with host Dr. Chris Featherstone and former WWE writer Vince Russo. The one-time NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion said the departures are not as severe as past WWE releases. He also referenced inaccurate speculation about The Miz possibly leaving.

"They don't feel like outright Black Friday releases," EC3 stated. "It just kinda feels like contracts are coming to an end and it's time to go a different route. I could be wrong. I mean, think about The Miz's career. What an incredible run to be that sustained at such a high level for such a long time, especially with his origin and how much he was despised, and the respect he's earned from peers, and the work he's put in." [0:49 – 1:19]

Watch the video above to hear the panel explain why torch-passing moments no longer exist in modern-day WWE.

EC3 thinks WWE fans should "relax"

Many WWE stars have returned several years after their full-time careers with the company ended. Nikki Bella, for example, appeared on the June 9 episode of RAW and looks set to wrestle at Evolution on July 13.

Although he understands fans' disappointment when wrestlers' contracts end, EC3 thinks the reaction is sometimes over the top:

"I mean, these guys have had great runs. Carlito as well. But sometimes it's just time to go, and there's nothing wrong with that, and I think every one of those individuals will be thriving and succeeding at something. I'm sure The Miz is tied into all sorts of stuff, and these happen. Is it cleaning house or is it time to say goodbye? And, you know what, the door never closes fully, so relax." [1:20 – 1:49]

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Later in the video, Vince Russo addressed an issue with Shawn Michaels' treatment of NXT talents.

Please credit Sportskeeda's The Wrestling Outlaws and embed the video if you use quotes from this article.

About the author

Danny Hart is a journalist who has been reporting on pro wrestling (WWE) at Sportskeeda since 2017. He grew up as a massive fan of football/soccer and wrestling, leading him to pursue a career in sports journalism.

Before assuming his current role, Hart worked as a football writer at Goal.com between 2009 and 2016. He prides himself on writing original content that is fact-based and highly accurate. Hart thoroughly proofreads his work before submitting it and relies only on credible sources for information.

Hart’s favorite pro wrestler is The Undertaker. He admires the 2022 WWE Hall of Famer’s ability to reinvent his character and remain relevant across his decades-long career. If given the keys to WWE’s creative department, he would bring back The Phenom for a farewell bout against AJ Styles in a stadium full of fans. Not only that, but he would love to have the multi-time world champion’s greatest rivals seated at ringside for the spectacle.

When not watching and covering sports, Hart enjoys long-distance running, playing video games, and listening to audiobooks and podcasts.

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Edited by Danny Hart