Tag: EC3

WWE Giving EC3 A Manager?

It looks like Drake Maverick may be adding to his stable on WWE’s main roster.

Maverick, who is still the WWE 205 Live General Manager, was the manager for EC3’s dark match against Harper before tonight’s post-WrestleMania 35 edition of WWE SmackDown from Brooklyn. The two had worked together in TNA both as allies and rivals.

That dark match saw Harper get the win over EC3 via pinfall. It was noted that both Superstars were over with the crowd.

Maverick has been away from RAW since The Authors of Pain were taken off TV due to the leg injury that Akam suffered back in January. It was reported that he would be out of action for a few months. Rezar has worked some WWE Main Event singles matches since then.

There’s no word yet on if WWE plans on using Maverick with EC3 on WWE TV.

Below are photos and videos of EC3 with Maverick at tonight’s SmackDown from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn:

https://twitter.com/TaffMaster/status/1115764374134820864

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Nikki Cross Debuts On Raw In Tag Match, Heavy Machinery, EC3 and Lacey Evans Appeared

The Riott Squad challenged Bayley and Natalya to find a partner this week for a six woman tag — and it led to Nikki Cross wrestling her first match on RAW!

After weeks of vignettes teasing Nikki’s move to the main roster, the Scottish born Superstar finally made her presence known to join Bayley/Natalya. She then helped her team earn a victory.

Heavy Machinery appeared during the “A Moment of Bliss” segment. EC3, Lacey Evans made brief backstage appearances as well, but neither spoke on camera.

Michael Cole mentioned that before any of the arriving Superstars are assigned to a brand, they’ll be appearing on both shows so the WWE Universe can “see what they got”.

Watch video of Nikki Cross’ RAW debut below.

Watch Otis Dozovic of Heavy Machinery disrupts Alexa Bliss’ interview with Paul Heyman during  “A Moment of Bliss” and his partner Tucker Knight coming out to get him below.

And below you can see the appearances of EC3 and Lacey Evans.

Dixie Carter Congratulates EC3 On Main Roster Call-Up

Image result for EC3 with Dixie Carter

Former TNA President Dixie Carter took to Twitter yesterday and reacted to her “nephew” EC3 getting called up from WWE NXT to the main roster.

Dixie wrote, “So proud of you E! Congrats to @wwe too… Can’t wait to watch you hold those major titles in the air. Love you, Aunt D #toponepercent #wwe #raw #smackdown”

For those unaware, EC3 — aka Ethan Carter III — made his Impact debut as the spoiled nephew of Dixie Carter, who was playing a heel character on TV at the time. The two went on to form the stable Team Carter, which included Rockstar Spud (aka Drake Maverick).

EC3 Says Impact Wrestling Departure Wasn’t Over Company Financial Issues

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Ethan Carter III in a recent interview with Newsweek talked about what led to his decision to leave Impact Wrestling and join WWE. While Impact has a track record of financial problems, that wasn’t a factor in his move, he told Newsweek.

“My decision to leave Impact had nothing to with their business or finances and everything with me wanting to challenge myself to something new,” he said on January 23. “Leaving Impact was a very difficult decision as I had six months left on a very lucrative and talent-friendly contract. Anthem lived up to that contract and always treated me with the utmost respect as a businessman and a person.”

EC3 was shown on camera at NXT Takeover: Philadelphia on January 27.

Don Callis and Scott D’Amore are new executive vice presidents working with Impact. Callis said the recent changes to Impact’s talent roster are good for the company.

“Change is good,” Callis said. “Yes, EC3 left, but Brian Cage came in, Johnny Impact was signed, Austin Aries came in.”

Talents like EC3, the Hardys, James Storm, Laurel Van Ness, Drew Galloway, Rockstar Spud, Mike Bennett, Maria Kanellis and announcer and producer Jeremy Borash have all left the company as of late. D’Amore, who’s had previous roles in the company, said new talent coming in are eager to fill the void left by others.

“This company has been a launching pad for people to come in and prove they’re stars and deserve the notoriety,” D’Amore said. “The Brian Cages, the Su Yungs, all these people coming in are going to be the next Bobby Roodes and Angelina Loves of the next generation.”

D’Amore acknowledged Impact needs to rebuild a buzz and following with its audience to get the company where it wants to be.

“In 2018, we’re re-establishing trust with the talent, with business partners, with fans,” he said. “You can’t fix it overnight. We’ve seen, historically, I call it the dangling carrot: ‘When we have this, everything’s going to be great.’ We’re going to roll up our sleeves and work hard. Slowly but surely we’re going to make progress. When we look back at the end of 2018, I think we’re going to be happy with the progress we’ve made.”

You can read the full story here.

Source: WrestlingINC

Backstage Update On Ethan Carter III Returning To WWE And If He Can Keep His EC3 Name, Rumble Appearance?, Lashley – WWE

Image result for EC3 & Bobby Lashley

It’s now confirmed that Ethan Carter III (Michael Hutter) will be returning to WWE soon, according to The Wrestling Observer Newsletter . It’s possible that EC3 will use the same name in WWE as he does own the rights to it. He previously used the Derrick Bateman name in WWE.

Regarding a possible WWE return for Bobby Lashley, it’s still believed that he will be returning to the company as some have expected it to happen for months but there’s been no confirmation like there has with EC3.

A Royal Rumble appearance for EC3 is possible as he’s now able to sign with any promotion he wants following the Impact Wrestling departure. As Raj noted before, EC3 was recently pulled from a Renegade Wrestling Revolution indie event in Houston, TX on the day of the Rumble. The promotion noted on Facebook that EC3 pulled out of the show due to a private family matter. They wrote, “Unfortunately it is a private family matter. He is ok just has to be with family. But don’t be discouraged there isn’t shortage of talent on this card”

Lashley could appear at the Rumble as well but it would take Impact officials giving approval to WWE.

Source: WrestlingINC

UPDATE:

EC3 was seen at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando this week, according to PWInsider.

EC3 & Bobby Lashley Gone From Impact Wrestling?

Image result for EC3 & Bobby Lashley

After over four years with Impact Wrestling, EC3 seems to be done with the company — and his character was written out of storylines during last night’s TV taping.

Sources say Carter’s deal expires between now and the next set of tapings in April, so he was officially written off the program. It’s unclear when the actual date of expiration is on the contract, but the Wrestling Observer reports that he doesn’t intend to re-sign.

As we previously reported, EC3 filed documents to trademark his name last month.

For those who don’t recall, Ethan previously worked in WWE as Derrick Bateman. He was released in 2013 and re-invented himself in TNA, becoming one of the most popular acts on the roster. According to sources, WWE officials have been extremely interested in bringing him back to the company in the past … but it’s unclear if any recent talks have occurred.

ec3 ethan carter gone impact wrestling written off contract expires

Former World champ Bobby Lashley said goodbye to the crowd at  Impact Wrestling TV taping this past weekend and he seems to be done with the company.

According to those in attendance, Lashley lost his final match to recent signee Brian Cage … then, as he walked to the back, Bobby waved goodbye and bowed.

Similar to EC3, sources tell us Lashley’s contract expires before the next taping in April so he was written out of storylines in case he doesn’t re-sign.

The 41-year-old wrestler returned to Impact in 2014 and won their World title shortly after, making him the first African-American to do so. He went on to capture the belt three more times.

No word on his current plans for the future.

bobby lashley impact wrestling done with company leaving says goodbye

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

Could EC3 & Lashley be headed to WWE?

EC3 Files Documents To Trademark Name

Image result for EC3 entrance Impact Wrestling 2017

Impact Wrestling star EC3 has filed documents in an attempt to legally own his character’s name.

EC3 filed trademark documents last week which state he wants to use the name for “Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibits and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer; Entertainment services in the nature of live visual and audio performances by an actor.”

The documents also note that he wants to use the name for “conducting fitness classes.”

Sources tell Pro Wrestling Sheet that Impact’s recent public statements about allowing wrestlers to own their characters in the future gave Ethan Carter a final push to lock the name down.

As previously reported, Ed Nordholm recently stated they’d be amending talent agreements to allow Impact wrestlers to use their personas after leaving the company. Executive Vice Presidents Don Callis and Scott D’Amore have reiterated this during recent interviews.

If they stay true to their word, the wrestler will likely own the name in the next few months.

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

WWE Reportedly Interested In Signing Top Impact Star Facing Possible Departure, Note On Contracts

Image result for Lashley, EC3 and Eddie Edwards

We noted before how Bobby Lashley and Ethan Carter III could be leaving Impact Wrestling when their contracts expire soon. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that former World Heavyweight Champion Eddie Edwards may be joining EC3 and Lashley as his contract expires in February 2018.

Regarding contracts moving forward, word is that the company will only be offering the new per-day contracts instead of significant guaranteed money deals, which Lashley, EC3 and Edwards are currently signed to. There’s a good chance these three veterans may be leaving because of this, just like James Storm. Storm recently left the company as he was signed to a high-paying contract that the company did not want to renew as they are looking to stop losing money.

No word yet on Eddie’s future plans but the belief right now is that WWE and ROH do have interest in signing him. WWE’s interest is for the WWE NXT brand, according to The Observer.

Source: WrestlingINC

Top Stars Possibly Leaving Impact Wrestling Soon, Backstage Roster Change News, Impact Creative Team Change

It is believed that there will be several wrestlers that depart the company over the next month or so, including some main event talents. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter notes that with James Storm recently leaving the company, the next two top talents who may be leaving when their contracts expire are Bobby Lashley and Ethan Carter III, who currently holds the Impact Grand Title on TV. As noted, Storm left the company because he had a high guaranteed money contract that Impact would not renew.

Two stars who will be staying for a while are Johnny Impact and Taya Valkyrie. They both recently signed deals that will allow them to continue working for Lucha Underground when the series films the next season.

On a related note, the belief is that Impact will feature a much larger contingent of Canadian-based wrestlers going forward as the company is now based out of Toronto, Ontario due to parent company Anthem being located there.

As noted, Impact announced today that Scott D’Amore and Don Callis have been hired as Executive Vice Presidents of the company. They will report to President Ed Nordholm and form a three-member Executive Committee. The committee has an “overall responsibility for developing the creative direction for the Company and managing the execution of the Company’s business plan.” Impact has not confirmed any significant office departures related to the new committee but PWInsider notes that word going around says John “Big” Gaburick will be officially leaving the company during early 2018. Gaburick was kept on as a consultant when Anthem took over and he’s also worked TV tapings but he was kept more as insurance in case the regime under Jeff Jarrett didn’t work out. Gaburick helped with the transition following Jarrett’s departure but mostly with production as creative was being led by D’Amore and Sonjay Dutt. Gaburick is no longer needed with Don Callis and Scott D’Amore being hired but he had already been preparing for life after Impact wit new projects as of late. Gaburick isn’t the only one leaving in early 2018 as Dutch Mantel is expected to part ways with the company. One source noted to PWInsider that Mantel is already gone but that could not be confirmed. Mantel was not brought in for the November TV tapings after losing his power when Jarrett left.

PWInsider notes that one of the longterm employees that is expected to stay with the company and work from home is Bob Ryder, who still works as an executive.

Regarding the rest of the creative team, Dutt is still working creative and as a producer, and that is not expected to change. Abyss, Gail Kim, Jeremy Borash and Jimmy Jacobs will all continue to work as producers and will also have input into creative. The final calls on creative and direction of the company will now be made by Callis, D’Amore and Nordholm.

The company is looking to try and run live events more consistently in 2018 as well. There’s been talk of taping 4-5 weeks of TV episodes at a time, instead of 10 weeks or so over a longer stretch of time. They are also interested in running live non-televised events at smaller venues in between tapings if they can be cost-effective. The January TV tapings are confirmed for Orlando, Florida but the company is planning on running the US and Canada next year. There’s talk of holding the March TV tapings in Canada, possibly the in the Windsor area.

Source: WrestlingINC

WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins Congratulated New TNA World Heavyweight Champion EC3

WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins congratulated Ethan Carter III via Twitter for his TNA World Heavyweight Championship win over Kurt Angle.

Rollins and EC3 spent some time training together in WWE’s developmental system before EC3 was released by WWE in 2013. They also tagged together on a couple of Florida Championship Wrestling shows in 2011.