The world according to EC3

Ethan Carter III
From @therealec3 on Twitter

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Listen to the podcast

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Earlier today I sat in on my first Impact Wrestling teleconference. The guest was Grand Champion EC3. I wanted to ask Ethan Carter III a question, but admittedly, I'm not sure how the program works and despite trying two or three times, I had no success.

But other wrestling journalists around the world got to chime in and ask Carter questions. Topics ranged from the upcoming Bound for Glory pay-per-view in November to the current product to Carter's time as Derrick Bateman in NXT. Carter has come a long way since his days in WWE. Not only has his in-ring and mic skills improved, so has his look. My question was going to be about the travel involved with pro wrestling and maintaining a workout routine and healthy eating habits. But maybe next time I'll figure out how the Q&A session works.

One of the more interesting questions asked during the teleconference about real life playing a role in his character development. Here's his answer. 

Courtesy: Impact Wrestling

"We are entertainment. Main event angles are sold based on serious and true emotions... There's a time and a place for comedy. I never wanted to be a comedy guy. I want to be a top guy and I am a top guy based on who I am and an extension of myself, I think and I hope." He said he's his own worst critic and works hard to improve himself in the ring.

Eli Drake, Chris Adonis and ECIII
Courtesy: Impact Wrestling 

Carter also talked about being a "face of the company" but also put over the fact that Bobby Lashley and newly crowned Impact Champion Eli Drake are also sharing in that role. He also coined the phrase "beef castles" in reference to himself, Drake and Chris Adnois. A beef castle is a "hunk of a man" in Carter's words and said Patrick Swayze was the ultimate beef castle. 

EC3 signed with Impact in 2013 and has become one of the company's premier players. He is one of the highlights of watching the show as far as I'm concerned.

Name dropping: wrestling style

Ricky Steamboat & ECIII are visiting SOIL & SEMO soon

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Listen to the podcast

Follow my blog with Bloglovin


Indy wrestling in southern Illinois and southeast Missouri is built on a foundation of hard working men and women both inside the ring and out. Fans dictate the success of companies like Stride Pro Wrestling,  Cape Championship Wrestling and Southern Illinois Championship Wrestling. Sometimes a Legend or current star on the grander pro wrestling stage lend their talents to one of these companies. I'm excited to say in the coming months two of those guests, I've had the pleasure of meeting in person.

Later this month, the current Impact Grand Champion Ethan Carter III makes his way to Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He will be a part of the Cape Championship Wrestling Homecoming 2 show on Saturday, August 26. Carter battles "Farmer" Billy Hills. Carter replaces Moose, who has a previous commitment with another company and can't make the Cape show.

ECIII back in 2012

More than five years ago, Chad and I met Carter when he was Derrick Bateman and Maxine at WrestleMania 28 Axxess. It was a quick photo opp as fans are herded in like cattle to strike a pose with the Superstars. There's usually a handshake and brief exchange before the encounter is over. But I do like to brag about these moments from time to time. Yes, I know I paid for it, but it's my memory to hold on to and share now with you. In my 1-2-3 cents, WWE made a huge mistake letting him go, but I'm happy he has found success with Impact Wrestling/Global Force Wrestling. The sky is the limit for ECIII. That being said, he's going to have his hands full with Farmer. It'll be a great match. Head to CCW's website for tickets. You can also stay up to date with the company on the FITE TV app.

The Dragon meets Jessie and Vince

On the same trip I mentioned earlier, we also met WWE Hall of Famer Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat. Growing up, I loved his matches with the likes of Ric Flair, "Macho Man" Randy Savage and Jake "The Snake" Roberts. The Dragon will fire things up at the Stride Pro Wrestling fundraiser event at Community Consolidated School District 204 in Pinckneyville on Friday, Oct. 6. He'll be a part of a meet and greet with fans that evening. Tickets go on sale September 1 and will be available at the September 9 Stride show, Fallout. The meet and greet is $10, ringside tickets are $15 and general admission is $10. Look for more here. Steamboat then heads to the Swansea, Illinois fire house the next night for a show by SICW. The Dragon will meet with fans there too and put on the stripes to ref a match. You can get more details here.

Somebody call my momma, here comes Tyrus

Brodus Clay in WWE
Courtesy: tyrussmash.com

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Listen to the podcast

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

***UPDATE: On Monday, May 1 we received word that due to unforeseen circumstances Tyrus will NOT be appearing this Saturday night. James Storm will be his replacement.***

All week I'll be writing blogs to countdown to the upcoming Stride Pro Wrestling show "Brave the Storm." It's a benefit to raise money for families in southern Illinois who recently lost their homes or suffered damage during the February 28 tornado.

EC3 & Tyrus
Courtesy: tyrussmash.com & Ethan Carter

You'll see all the usual stars of the Stride Pro Wrestling roster on Saturday, May 6. Special guest Tyrus will also be on hand. He is currently on the Impact Wrestling roster and was at one time WWE Superstar Brodus Clay. Tyrus will be doing a meet and greet beginning at 5 p.m. at Pinckneyville School 204. The cost for that is $10. But if you think Tyrus isn't coming to Stride to smash someone, think again. He will be in the ring Saturday night. At this time no one was signed on to face the monster. 

Tyrus Smash!
Courtesy: tyrussmash.com

I'm looking forward to meeting Tyrus in person. When WWE repackaged him a few years ago as the Funkasaurus, I was all in. I loved the character and wish more members of the WWE Universe got into the character. He does play the monster role very well too. And he has plenty of ongoing projects outside the ring.

The lineup for Saturday

So don't forget, the meet and greet with Tyrus starts at 5 p.m. and you'll get a picture with him for just $10. Check out Stride Pro Wrestling's social media sites for updates this week.

Finally making an impact

By Chad Smart
@chadsmart & @my123cents on Twitter
Listen to the podcast

Follow my blog with Bloglovin 

Towards the end of episode 87 of the My 1-2-3 Cents podcast, I stated Impact Wrestling has been on a roll lately and encouraged listeners to give Impact another chance. Based on this week’s (7/21) episode, I stand by that assessment. Coming off the criticism I’ve leveled at Impact (and yes, I prefer to say Impact instead of TNA) over the past four years on this blog, if I’m now giving Impact credit, it’s done because I firmly enjoy the product.

I don’t know what’s changed since Impact moved from Destination America to Pop earlier this year but the company seems more focused with specific plans in place. Impact has lost several wrestlers over the past year which now seems to be a blessing more than a curse. The loss of top level talent such as Bobby Roode, Austin Aries and Bully Ray, created spots for fresh new talent to take the ball and run. Drew Galloway and Ethan Carter III have been on point to where one has to wonder why WWE didn’t do anything productive with either guy when they were with the company. The biggest shock to me though has been Bobby Lashley.

Lashley
Courtesy: Impact Wrestling

During Lashley’s run in WWE and his first run on Impact, I thought he was nothing more than a jacked up muscle head. Over the past month though something has clicked with him both in the ring and on the mic that engages me when he’s on TV. His current run as badass champ who’ll fight all challengers has me curious to see who’s next.

The Bromans
Courtesy Impact Wrestling

Impact has also done a decent job of re-building the X-Division and Tag Team Division. The mid-card also features fresh talent who if given a chance, I think can become long term players. Most off all, as I mentioned earlier, there seems to be long term planning to story lines. There’s not as much just throw something at the wall and see what sticks then do something different next week.

The Knockouts
Courtesy: Impact Wrestling

The Knockouts Division features a mix of new and established talent who are all doing a good job to keep the women’s revolution going. I would like to see more talent brought in, as right now there are only five competitors.

"Broken" Matt Hardy
Courtesy: Impact Wrestling

Shockingly the biggest asset to Impact right now is “Broken” Matt Hardy. When Matt first started with the "Broken"character, I doubt anyone saw potential in what he was doing. Now, maybe because it’s so different or just so out there and Matt plays it 100% serious, I can’t wait to se what he’ll do week after week in his quest to belittle and rule over the “Obsolete Mule” Brother Nero (Jeff Hardy). I will also stand by my critique the WWE ripped off Matt and Nero’s “Final Deletion” match with the compound battle between the New Day and Wyatt Family. Only WWE’s version wasn’t half as entertaining.

Of course not everything Impact is doing is praise worthy. They still run too many gimmick matches for my taste. My personal dislike of the American Wolves also has me wishing Davey Richards’ recent injury had lasted longer. Although I will give credit to Eddie Edwards for his matches against Bobby Lashley the past two weeks as being two really good title vs. title bouts.

Overall, Impact still has some areas to improve as no company will ever be 100% perfect. Compared to Impact from 2012-2015 though, 2016 Impact is quickly become my must see wrestling show of the week. I hope I haven’t just jinxed them. I don’t know what’s going on backstage and I don’t care. I’m enjoying the product on the TV screen and at the end of the day that’s the most important thing.