Former Champion Returns On WWE Raw
He's back, but not necessarily better than ever...
EC3 returned to main roster television on last night's WWE Raw, but it wasn't a happy homecoming for the four-time 24/7 Champion.
'The One-Percenter' was mauled by moustachioed madman Rusev in under two minutes. Though he started the bout hot, cutting Ru-Ru off shortly after the bell, EC3 had the tide turned on him quickly, eating several suplexes and the Machka Kick before tapping to the Accolade. It was comfortably the night's shortest clash.
This was EC3's first Raw bout since the 20 May episode, when he and a whole bunch of midcarders fought for the right to become the first 24/7 Champion. Before that, you have to go back to February for his last meaningful appearance on the flagship, with Dean Ambrose avenging the previous week's loss to EC3 in under four minutes.
The former Derrick Bateman has become a Main Event warrior since vanishing from the main roster, teaming with the likes of Eric Young, Cesaro, and Robert Roode in recent months. The short Ambrose programme remains his only "storyline" since "graduating" from NXT.
Will last night's appearance result in an increased role for EC3? You be the judge...