EC3 worked for WWE between 2009 and 2013 before returning for another spell with the company between 2018 and 2020. The former NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion recently reminisced about watching Survivor Series 1998 as a 15-year-old.
The event ended with The Rock turning heel during his WWE Championship win over Mankind. In scenes similar to the 1997 Montreal Screwjob, former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon awarded the victory to The Rock even though Mankind did not submit.
On Sportskeeda’s The Wrestling Outlaws, EC3 spoke to host Dr. Chris Featherstone and former WWE writer Vince Russo about The New Day turning heel. Discussing other “swerves” in wrestling storylines, he recalled how the Survivor Series 1998 ending left a lasting impression:
“The most memorable swerve’s ’98 Survivor Series,” EC3 said. “Masterclass. Like, you didn’t see coming, and I think a lot of times as a wrestling fan that became, I don’t wanna say smart, but I’m into it and I got in so deep where you’re noticing everything becoming a swerve.” [3:51 – 4:10]
Watch the video above to hear Russo’s opinion on The New Day and two other WWE stars taking up space on the roster.
EC3 on storylines replicating the Survivor Series 1998 finish
Heading into Survivor Series 1998, The Rock was a babyface and viewed as one of WWE’s top fan favorites for years to come. The controversial finish led to The Great One becoming a member of The Corporation, a villainous group led by Shane and Vince McMahon.
While the Survivor Series 1998 story was carefully told, EC3 believes other wrestling companies tried to “swerve” fans too often:
“I remember watching a lot of TNA and WCW towards the tail-end where something’s gonna happen and you pause it and the guy’s obviously gonna turn on the other guy, and like, ‘What’s gonna happen here?’ Well, obviously he’s gonna turn on him because there were swerves for swerve’s sake, I would say.” [4:11 – 4:29]
The former 24/7 Champion also explained the possible logic behind Xavier Woods undergoing a character change after 10 years of The New Day.
What do you think is the best “swerve” in wrestling history? Hit the discuss button and let us know.
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