What a difference a day makes.

This statement has never been truer for me, especially within the course of the last week. On Tuesday night, I wrestled representing ECW, and less than 24 hours later, I was drafted to Raw. On Sunday, at Night of Champions, I defeated Chris Jericho and on Monday, I walk into the Raw locker room as Intercontinental Champion.

Monday, June 30, had a different vibe to it, for sure. I did not know just how I would be received. First of all, the competition that exists between the three brands is no secret. Each superstar strives to make their brand the best; so inevitably, there is a sense of  “sibling rivalry”. Having started my career with ECW and now coming to Raw instantly provokes this rivalry.

I treaded cautiously, keeping my guard up, but to my surprise, there were many Raw Superstars that did congratulate and welcome me to the roster: Shad and JTG of Cryme Tyme, Women’s Champion Mickie James, and John Cena. Even “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan gave me a thumbs-up and a “Hoooo!” which I’m pretty sure he meant positively! This helped to ease the tension.

Second, since everyone’s goal is to be a champion, anyone with a title is a marked man. The Intercontinental Champion especially, since the title holds so much prestige. I had to do a photo shoot with the title and the photographer wanted me to make some “mean” faces, but I couldn’t stop smiling because I was thinking of all the history behind the title.

 Pat Patterson, the first IC Champ, still has a heavy presence behind the scenes, and now I hold that very same title that he introduced into WWE. I currently hold the same title once held by such legends as “Macho Man” Randy Savage, Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat, “Ravishing” Rick Rude, Mr. Perfect, Bret Hart, The British Bulldog, Shawn Michaels … the list goes on.

These men are Legends in our industry, and I am on the same list as Intercontinental Champion.  Talk about big shoes to fill!