Warning: This story contains spoilers from the first six episodes of Netflix’s Perfect Match season 3.
Clayton Echard knows his journey on Perfect Match season 3 didn’t go to plan, but he’s standing by his decisions.
The 32-year-old ended things with ex Rachel Recchia just 24 hours after they reunited on the reality dating show.
In episode 3 of the new season, Rachel entered the villa. The pair first tried to find love on The Bachelor season 26. After some hesitation from Rachel, they decided to match up for the night.
Clayton ended things hours later. He told cameras his “intuition was telling me that this is not going to work between us.”
Speaking to PEOPLE, Clayton explains why he made that choice and why he doesn’t regret it.
“I’m glad they showed that… I was hoping they were going to. I don’t really think there’s a specific answer other than it was a feeling.”
Clayton says he woke up knowing he’d made the wrong choice.
“When I woke up, my heart dropped, and I felt this pit in my stomach and I realized, ‘That wasn’t the right decision.’ At that point, I gave it the day, made sure that that was the correct feeling and that it didn’t go away. And it didn’t. And so at that point I thought, ‘This is hard, but it’s only going to be worse if I try to drag it and take more time.'”
The reality star says he “was very decisive” and knew he had to act quickly.
“I just had to end it. I never had any intention of hurting her. Unfortunately, in dating shows, there’s emotions attached, so it’s hard to get out unscathed.”
Clayton Expects Mixed Reactions From Fans
The former Bachelor anticipates that Bachelor Nation fans will have split opinions about their brief reunion.
“I think it’s going to be a split. I think there’s going to be half people that understand, there’s going to be a large swathe of people that are going to attack me for it. But truthfully, I did what I thought was best, and I stand by that.”
Clayton isn’t backing down from potential criticism.
“So the negativity that comes my way, if that’s how people feel, that’s fine. But I did what I thought was best. And so I stand by that.”
He’s not ruling out future reality TV appearances despite his track record on The Bachelorette, The Bachelor and Perfect Match.
“I’m open to anything. I don’t know if dating shows are maybe my forte, but maybe if the right one comes around, I’ll give it a shot.”
Rachel Broke Down After The Split
The breakup didn’t go smoothly for Rachel.
After their matching in episode 3, things changed quickly in episode 4. Clayton sat Rachel, 29, down and explained he needed to talk so he didn’t “drag something out.”
Rachel immediately understood what was coming and grew emotional.
“I can’t do it again,”
she told her ex.
Clayton insisted his intentions weren’t malicious.
“My intuition was telling me that this is not going to work between us, and I don’t want to hurt you. That’s why I’m having this conversation as soon as possible.”
Rachel broke down in tears.
“Why would you even put me in this position?”
she asked before running off.
Her fellow female costars consoled her as she processed what happened.
“He literally did it again. This is the third time he’s done this to me. He does not give a s— about me.”
Why Rachel Gave Clayton Another Chance
Rachel spoke to PEOPLE about her decision to reconnect with Clayton despite their history.
The pair originally met on The Bachelor season 26. Clayton was the leading man and told three finalists – Rachel, Gabby Windey and Susie Evans – that he loved them all.
He sent Susie home, then realized he wanted to pursue her. Clayton broke up with Rachel and Gabby to chase Susie.
Clayton and Susie dated after the show but announced their split in a joint Instagram statement in September 2022.
Rachel admits she’s not sure “if I ever really felt comfortable” about giving Clayton another shot on Perfect Match.
“I was doubting myself the whole time, but I think I never really got a full answer leaving The Bachelor. And there’s always been this ‘what if?’ Even for the audience, everyone still wonders ‘what if?’ And I think I knew that no matter what, I was going to get my answer. And I did.”
After ending things with Rachel, Clayton left the villa.
He realized there were no other potential matches to explore. Clayton exited feeling he’d finally gotten closure with Rachel.
Rachel went on to match with Love Island USA alum Scott van-der-Sluis.
The first six episodes of Perfect Match season 3 are streaming on Netflix. New episodes drop weekly through the finale on Aug. 15.
