Simple math tells you that he isn’t just good but great. While 99% of those that have come and gone from OVW, FCW, and NXT in its early days may have faded away. One has returned, and clearly what he accomplished while away from the company contributed to his being brought him back. During his time in TNA/IMPACT Wrestling, he competed as Ethan Carter III, a wealthy relative of owner Dixie Carter and member of the upper class. He became the promotion’s most talked about character during his time there. He displayed a swagger and a confidence that he always knew he had but others hadn’t seen. It was his time to shine, and without question, he did just that.
EC3 Is Making Fans Forget The Remaining 99%
However, before we can identify why he was so sought after, it is important to recognize where he was before achieving that success. Many may or may not know that Carter competed in NXT several years ago under the name of Derrick Bateman. During his time there he only scratched the surface of what he could do. The character didn’t really have an opportunity to build steam and during his time in developmental. He often underwent changes, from using his actual name of Mike Hutter to Agent D, and then back to Derrick Bateman. How can fans truly get a sense of someone if they don’t consistently see them?
He departed NXT in 2013 and underwent some changes, and an opportunity. Over the course of five years, Ethan Carter III rose to prominence within TNA, and it was truly a blessing. He was prominently featured and engaged in meaningful matches against veterans such as Eric Young, Kurt Angle, the Hardys, and Drew Galloway. His development ultimately led to the company having enough faith in him to make him the face of the company, as he became the TNA World Heavyweight champion. His falling out with a ‘friend’ who was tired of his behavior, Rockstar Spud led to a memorable and often bloody feud between the two. He transitioned from that program to facing the likes of Drew Galloway, Lashley and Eddie Edwards. He left IMPACT in January of this past year after achieving all that he possibly could. He was off going on to do something that he wanted to do, to prove he deserved the opportunity previously denied him.
When Carter appeared at NXT Takeover: Dallas, he got a big reaction, and all the rumors about his future were proven true. His appearance created a frenzy on social media and among those in attendance. He didn’t arrive using the name Ethan Carter III, but simply the EC3 short form. His hard work and dedication had proven to be worth it. When he returned to WWE as part of their NXT brand, the confidence he had always possessed was there to be seen. When it was announced that he had signed with the company fans embraced his return. His arrival was also accompanied by the announcement that there would be a six-man ladder match to determine the new NXT North American championship, and he was the first entrant in the matchup.
At NXT Takeover: New Orleans, he battled Killian Dain, Adam Cole, Velveteen Dream, Ricochet and Adam Cole in a phenomenal match and more than held up his end. He wasn’t successful but the made an impact. Since his arrival in NXT, it hasn’t been clear whether EC3 was going to be a heel or a face. Fans were quite engaged by his clever and quick-witted initial promo. But as more vignettes aired after his match at Takeover, it was becoming more and more evident that he was going to be a heel. It was a role he is well suited for, as the cocky, ‘I’m better than you’ persona is a great reflection of someone that had something to prove and did so in spades.
He appeared in a match during the WWE UK Championship tournament, teaming with Velveteen Dream against Aleister Black and Ricochet. The result of the match was that he was abandoned by his partner, was double-teamed and pinned. However, for a number of talent that has been successful in NXT, it has been all about long-term booking rather than the result of one or two matches. This is most evident when looking at Andrade ‘Cien’ Almas, who captured the NXT championship after previously being on the losing end of many matches. Fans should be hopeful and excited about EC3’s future, just as they were when he was initially brought back into the fold. Those unfamiliar with him are encouraged to seek out some of his matches in TNA, but remember that the best is still to come. EC3 is going to continue to prove why he is leaving the other 99% behind.
