WWE may be keeping a much tighter grip on who gets through the door. EC3 claims the company recently held a massive tryout in Minneapolis—and walked away without signing a single person.
While speaking to Markyd123, the former WWE and TNA star was asked whether the wrestlers training under him at Exodus Pro have what it takes to reach a major promotion. EC3 believes they do, but admitted the path to the next level has changed dramatically since his days on the independent scene. EC3 explained that wrestlers once had a fairly direct route: stand out on the indies and earn a contract. He said that path is no longer as dependable because WWE is not bringing in independent talent at the same rate.
“I love and adore my squad. My team is carefully assembled of people that I truly believe have the potential to make an impact in this industry and do something great. I believe in every one of them in different aspects, but I definitely believe in every one of them as an individual and who they are.”
The former NXT star then claimed WWE held a large tryout in Minneapolis but didn’t sign any of the participants. EC3 believes the problem is that much of independent wrestling no longer matches what WWE wants from new recruits.
“The thing we have to navigate is that getting to the next level in wrestling today seems—I don’t want to say harder—but it’s a different path than it was back in my day, which was the indies or getting signed.”
“WWE isn’t signing a lot of independent wrestlers. I think they just did a massive tryout in Minneapolis and didn’t sign anybody because independent wrestling has kind of lost what they’re looking for.”
According to EC3, WWE is looking beyond wrestlers who can perform impressive moves. He believes the company wants marketable personalities it can develop while making sure those recruits already understand the fundamentals.
“What they’re looking for isn’t necessarily the moves. They’re looking for people they can create or mold who can make them money and have these personalities, but also have fundamentals that can’t be touched.”
EC3 also took a shot at the current independent wrestling scene by arguing that too many performers prioritize big spots over the basics. That is something he said Exodus Pro specifically works to correct.
“I think a lot of times with the independents, fundamentals get thrown to the wayside in favor of spots and moves. If you can hone those in while doing cool moves and cool spots, you’ll be made. That’s something we kind of preach at Exodus.”
With WWE taking fewer wrestlers directly from the independent circuit, EC3 believes talent must now find other routes through companies such as AEW, TNA and the NWA.
“If they’re not signing 10, 12 or 14 independent wrestlers, then that’s not an avenue if they’re not signing indie guys. Then it’s AEW and it’s TNA.”
He explained that wrestlers can attract AEW by building a strong online following or tearing it up on independent shows. EC3 has also helped several members of his Exodus roster receive tryouts or other opportunities with TNA.
“With AEW, creating yourself in that niche internet superfandom is kind of the way to get noticed there, it seems, or tearing up the indies. TNA is similar. I’ve gotten quite a few of my talents tryouts or looks with TNA, and that’s why we have Johnny Bravo come to the shows.”
The NWA has also become an outlet for Exodus talent, with EC3 claiming that at least 10 to 12 wrestlers from the promotion have landed deals there.
“With the NWA, we’ve had at least 10 to 12 people from Exodus who signed there at some point. It’s really fulfilling and very cool. That’s one avenue, though. What are the next avenues? That’s what I’m trying to figure out and trying to grow these people into becoming.”
If EC3’s account of the Minneapolis tryout is accurate, WWE’s search for new talent may have shifted even further away from the traditional independent wrestling pipeline. Big moves can attract attention, but EC3 believes personality, marketability and strong fundamentals are now what separate a WWE prospect from everyone else in the room.
Do you agree with EC3’s assessment of what WWE wants from new talent, or should the company be signing more established independent wrestlers? Let us know what you think in the comments.
