Although Lopez described choosing WWE over ROH and TNA as an easy choice, it was a choice that a friend helped him make. Matt Sydal was a veteran of the independent scene whod been wrestling with WWE for a few years under the name Evan Bourne. But growing up in the indies from 2006 to 2010 was a perfect way to work with some of the best talent around. As Tyler Black, Lopez became close friends with El Generico (NXTs current standout star Sami Zayn), Claudio Castagnoli (now known as rising WWE star Cesaro), CM Punks best friend Colt Cabana, future TNA World Champion Austin Aries, and Bryan Danielson, otherwise known as WWEs babyface sensation Daniel Bryan, amongst many others.