Just weeks after confirming his exit from the NWA, EC3 has fired the first shot in what looks to be the next chapter of his career—and he’s not waiting for permission.
On January 13, 2026, the former NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion dropped a cryptic and cinematic teaser on Twitter titled “CRUSADE – A Top 1% Production.” The post included a bold statement that sets the tone for what’s coming:
“Everyone wants the comeback story. Nobody wants the work that makes it real.”
The video, narrated by EC3 himself, features a gritty montage of training sessions, in-ring clips, and intense visuals, all underscoring the transformation of a man who doesn’t just talk about self-reinvention—he embodies it. EC3 delivers a monologue that reads more like a personal manifesto than just a promo.
“They all asked if I’d ever come back. But no one asked if I actually left… Everybody wants the comeback story but nobody wants the work that makes it real.”
“The ritual, the routine, the righteous vanity. Hostility-driven self-actualization. Three percent body fat. Ninety-seven percent aura. Do the math—it adds up.”
The promo then leans heavily into mythic language, evoking the idea of a warrior hardened by solitude and exile. He makes it clear this isn’t just about returning—it’s about domination.
“Exile taught me what acceptance never could. How one turns isolation into a Bronze Age blood vendetta.”
“Top one percent isn’t just an aesthetic. It’s the line most won’t cross.”
The video ends with EC3 calling himself the “Great Wrestler Alive” and reminding fans of his legacy as a three-time world champion, hinting that CRUSADE might not be a company or a match—but a mindset.
No promotion was named, no match was announced—but if the tone is any indication, EC3’s next move won’t be subtle.
Are you ready for the CRUSADE? What do you think EC3’s next destination should be? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
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