EC3 Talks About His Future In TNA, Hardcore Justice, Feuding With Mr. Anderson, His Push
Since debuting with the company in 2013, Ethan Carter III has become a staple in TNA. His character has become one of the big turning points in the company creatively, and despite his previous run in WWE, has re-established himself as a top heel in wrestling. I had the opportunity to speak with Ethan about several subjects. For today's portion he talks about Bram, Mr. Anderson, Hardcore Justice, as well as being the future flag bearer for TNA.
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You teamed with Bram a couple of weeks ago, and I thought you two had a good dynamic. It really seems like you two could be flag bearers for that company. Is that a challenge you're looking to take on?
"100%. I've said that I want to be the guy, I want to be the flag bearer. Give me the ball. That's the mentality we need more of. I hope that's the mentality Bram has, because I don't want anything easy. I want 40 guys that want what I want. I think that's what makes any company great, competition on top. Bram came in with a similar background, but came in and has made a name for himself. Seeing us tag together was maybe an inclination of what the future holds. Hopefully in a few years we're on top going nose to nose?.throwin' 'bows?proving everybody wrong?shoving it up their?uhh?butts."
TNA has already put a lot of faith in you with wins over Kurt Angle, Sting and Bully Ray. What's that like after having the ball dropped in another company?
"I'm loyal to those who are loyal to me, and TNA has been nothing but loyal to me since day 1. It's a great feeling to know that they are behind me, but it's also a cross bear to know that I have to live up to their expectations of me. I'm not taking any of that for granted. I want to make sure I'm the hardest working person they have and worthy of the faith they put in me."
You started a bit of a program with Mr. Anderson. You two are a couple of the most natural guys on the microphone. What do you look for in this program with Anderson?
"Well you can't talk politics without Mr. Anderson showing up. That's a fact. I think this program is going to be an excellent statement for both of our careers. The promo he cut on me during my political speech was the Mr. Anderson that's fired up. He looked rejuvenated and excited and passionate. I think a program with a two guys that carry a lot of passion is good. He's also from that similar background as me, where he has a chip on his shoulder. Coming up with what we're doing now, I don't know, but I'm excited. At Hardcore Justice, I'll have to retort to his interruption. If it leads to a feud, I'll win, but maybe he'll give me a run for my money."
Hardcore Justice is a dangerous environment to go in to, even without a match. Luckily you'll have Tyrus by your side, how important has the addition of him been for you?
"Tyrus adds another element to the progression of EC3. He's another guy with a chip on his shoulder that wants to show what he can do. He's stoic, angry and destructive, which is a side that he never really got to show. I'm happy to have him by my side. At Hardcore Justice I'm going to get as hardcore as I know how, by wearing a suit and talking. But there's a lot of other great things happening at Hardcore Justice, too."
When are you targeting your TNA World Title match that you have campaigned for. Perhaps election season?
" Well, I don't want to wait until election season because that would be November. Maybe primary season? I look at the history of TNA, I see important events and dates and I look at June 28 and Slammiversary, and it's close to the 4TH of July. Kind of feels like the rightful place for EC3 to sign that document like John Hancock and make my stamp on the industry."
What are you most looking forward to at Hardcore Justice that doesn't involve you?
"I'm looking forward to everybody beating everyone else up. A few key things like Low Ki vs. Drew Galloway in a pipe on a pole match. Drew Galloway split Low Ki open with a pipe, so that's good by me. I'm also excited about our X-Division match with Tigre Uno, Andrews, Rockstar Spud and Kenny King. Also there's the Hardys and Davey Richards against Abyss, Manik and Khoya. After what happened last week, that should be interesting as well."
If you win the TNA Championship, will you give Norv Fernum or Dewey Barnes a title shot?
"You know what? I'd have to look at the top 5 TNA rankings, but if I'm guessing, I'd say Norv Fernum is #1 by June 28th."
I would be shocked if he's not.
"I would be too. What kind of world do we live in where Norv Fernum isn't in the top 5 for a title shot. Maybe worst case scenario he's not in the top 5, and I bring him into my cabinet as the secretary of enhancement."
Good luck with your title shot, and living the tough life of miserable Cleveland sports. Look at it this way, if you win the TNA title, you'll win more than anyone else from Cleveland has in decades.
"Well, besides the Miz."