Like many current mid-carders in the WWE lineup, EC3, or Ethan Carter III as he was known in Total NonStop Wrestling (Impact Wrestling), had a great career outside of the WWE before returning to the company he began with in 2018. Since then, he’s been mired in obscurity. Recently, it’s been reported that Vince McMahon gave up pushing EC3.
The first question may of us have is, did he ever really give a push?
As reported by ringsidenews.com, EC3 appears to be a favorite of Paul Heyman, but he’s been unable to convince Vince McMahon otherwise. It’s well known that the buck stops with McMahon when it comes to who makes it and who doesn’t, but it doesn’t mean he’s right. Of course, this could all be speculation.
Not Paul Heyman’s call
This news has come courtesy of Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio. Melzter was asked if Paul Heyman could push EC3, but Meltzer replied that it was a Vince McMahon call and he’s already decided.
“I think that Vince gave up on EC3 real fast and I don’t think they — you know they did a tryout with EC3 in April putting him together with Drake Maverick like they were in TNA and Vince hated that too so I don’t think this is a Paul [Heyman] call.”
If Meltzer is right this time, it appears that McMahon gave up pushing EC3. The problem with this is fans that got to see what he could do in TNA were hoping to see what heights he could reach in WWE. It’s been typical of anyone McMahon hadn’t created and controlled their career trajectory since the beginning.
Fellow former TNA champion Robert Roode has finally been getting a much deserved push since being teamed with Dolph Ziggler, but there doesn’t appear to be anyone that’s swoop in and help EC3 the same way.
That doesn’t mean someone or something won’t come along. McMahon could change his mind or have a brilliant stroke of genius that’ll push EC3 into the spotlight. And that’s the key. McMahon has to see the benefits of what ECC3 can do, otherwise EC3 will remain in the mid-card ranks until his contract runs out and he heads to another company. Hopefully, one that can utilize his skill and take him to the next level..
On the plus side, EC3 is a four time 24 Hour champion. At least he got a taste of some glory.