EC3, TNA Impact Wrestling coming to The Arena May 31

EC3 about to address a live TNA audience. (photo courtesy of TNA Wrestling)

Ethan Carter III, or EC3 as he prefers to be called in the ring, is the “loving, adorable nephew” of TNA Wrestling President Dixie Carter. He has spent the last decade honing his skills as a professional wrestler, and now the time has come for him to make his mark as one of TNA’s newest superstars.

Carter spoke to the News Journal earlier this week in a phone interview, discussing how he got started in the wrestling business, what the future holds for him in TNA, and what Corbin area fans can expect to see when he and his fellow wrestling superstars come to town on Saturday, May 31 for a live event at The Arena.

When asked how he was able to make it to this level, wrestling for a globally known brand like TNA, Carter said, “Wrestling is something that I had the desire and the persistence to pursue to the highest level. I always strive to be the best, and I never took ‘no’ for an answer along the way. Of course, it didn’t hurt to have a helpful connection in Dixie Carter. She has a keen eye for talent, and it just so happens that her search for the world’s top wrestlers took her inside her own family.”

Although EC3 is still in his first year with TNA, he has made an immediate impact by getting the best of legendary competitors like Sting and Kurt Angle.

Speaking of Angle, Carter recalled an instance years ago when he was reviewing a VHS tape of one of the Olympic gold medalist’s matches. “It was a cage match,” he said. “And when Kurt performed a moonsault off the top of the cage it was just a crazy visual. I remember thinking at that moment, ‘This is what I want to do for a living.’”

“Now I have realized my dream, and I have even had the opportunity to face Kurt Angle in the ring. I hope that can serve as inspiration to aspiring wrestlers out there. You can make it to where you want to be if you’re willing to work hard enough at it.”

With the Slammiversary 12 pay per view just around the corner on June 15, EC3 is now looking to continue his winning ways against Bully Ray, a man who has become a champion in every wrestling organization he has ever been a part of.

“Slammiversary is going to be a real milestone for TNA,” said Carter. “As much as we like to celebrate the past, we are always focusing on the future, and this event will serve as a springboard for the next wave of superstars, like myself. Personally, I have set my sights on Bully Ray, and for me, it’s all about being the best I can possibly be in the ring in order to make sure I’m helping the company grow and improve.”

“I know the people in Kentucky love horse racing, so let me put it this way… TNA has a lot of thoroughbreds on the roster, and at Slammiversary you’re going to see them run.”

As for the live event in Corbin next Saturday, Carter says fans can expect an “awesome show that is a great value for your dollar.”

“It will be a fun filled, family friendly atmosphere,” he continued. “There will be a fist pumping pre-show party one hour before the matches begin, as well as autograph sessions with some of the TNA talent. We truly care about our fans, so we want to do everything we can to be accessible to them and make sure they have a great time with us. At the end of the day, we’re all about making people smile.”

Tickets for the TNA Impact Wrestling 2014 World Tour will be available until the day of the event either at The Arena box office, or online at ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices start at around $20.

EC3 taking it to an opponent in the ring. (photo courtesy of TNA Wrestling)