Michael Hutter, aka former WWE/TNA star as EC3, discussed his career and the current state of the professional wrestling industry during an interview on the Sportshadow YouTube channel. The former TNA World Champion addressed his highly criticized final run with WWE, his perceived status among major promotions, and his critique of contemporary in-ring styles.
Reflections on WWE Main Roster and Vince McMahon
Hutter discussed his run in WWE to WWE in 2018. He indicated that he was resistant to the eventual call-up to the main roster, anticipating the creative difficulties that followed.
“When the call up came, I didn’t want to go because I knew it wasn’t going to be the right call,” Hutter stated. “I knew it wasn’t going to be good.”
Once on the main roster, Hutter was utilized in a “silence” gimmick where he was prohibited from speaking during televised segments. He described the period as personally and professionally draining.
“It was definitely not creatively fulfilling and it was definitely not something I look back on and enjoy,” Hutter said. “It sucked balls, it was the worst, it killed me inside, I hated every second of it. But also, it’s not my choice. They paid me money to be an employee. Do what you’re told.”
Hutter clarified that during that era, creative decisions were dictated by Vince McMahon, often disregarding the work established in developmental.
“I think whatever Vince at the time said, went,” Hutter noted. “So if like, we’re blowing it up and we’re pulling 17 of your guys up right now like he’s like, ‘Okay, that’s what we got to do.'”
Allegations of Being Blackballed
Hutter has not signed with a major domestic promotion since his WWE release in 2020. He addressed his current status as an independent performer and owner of Exodus Pro, suggesting that his professional integrity may have limited his opportunities.
“I’m also probably blackballed from most of them because people can’t handle my authentic truth and that’s fine,” Hutter claimed.
He emphasized that his absence from major platforms like WWE or AEW is a byproduct of his refusal to compromise his personal philosophy for corporate approval. This “authentic truth” forms the basis of his current work and his development of new talent outside of the major league systems.
Critique of Modern Wrestling and “Star Rankings”
On the topic of modern wrestling, Hutter argued that many performers focus on complex maneuvers at the expense of narrative and character depth.
“I don’t like the lack of matches on big shows,” Hutter said. “I don’t think every match needs to be 35 minutes too. I think you can get a lot out of like a depth of talent getting over in quicker matches that are not necessarily have to be 50/50 all the time.”
He specifically targeted styles he perceives as overly theatrical and lacking in competitive logic.
“I love athleticism, dude. I love athleticism, I love kicking ass, I love being in shape,” Hutter stated. “But that doesn’t matter if you don’t care who I am and why I’m doing what I do… I mean I love athleticism, but [I don’t like] cosplay dancing and doing moves that don’t make sense.”
Hutter also dismissed the validity of star ratings:
“Ranking a match that was designed to get something over with a quality decider doesn’t make sense to me because the purpose of it was to do what it did,” Hutter explained. “The purpose of it wasn’t to fit in this criteria that is made up and bastardized.”
“I definitely preferred character in a sense because if people do not recognize or empathize or dislike or like or care about the character, there’s a very small sector of fans that are there just for the grappling and the moves,” Hutter said. “Where the character makes the difference. I’m definitely geared towards character, but you don’t have great matches if you don’t have two people you care about.”
He noted that even legendary “technical” wrestlers like AEW star Bryan Danielson succeeded primarily because of their character work.
“Extraordinary and enlightening and hilarious,” Hutter said regarding Danielson’s personality. “He is a great character. So character to me is most important because everything trickles down through that.”
Current Projects and Ventures
Exodus Pro Academy: Located in Eastlake, Ohio at The Powerhouse gym, Hutter focuses on training the next generation of performers.
Upcoming Book: Hutter confirmed he is approximately 18 months into writing a book that focuses on finding professional purpose and the discipline required to become great at a chosen craft. He expects a release within the next six months.
Watch the full interview below:
If you use quotes from this article, please credit the source and include a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
