Impact Wrestling was Global Force Wrestling, and Impact Wrestling once before, and TNA Wrestling before that, and NWA: TNA way before that. The change in name seems to reflect several aspects of their business of late, including their talent roster.
In recent months, we've seen the likes of Davey Richards, Angelina Love, Elijah Burke, Robbie E, Jessie Godderz, Velvet Sky, Al Snow, Pat Kenney, Shane Helms and over a dozen others bid farewell to the company. Left standing is Ethan Carter III, who consistently is a main eventer, and one of the most recognizable names and faces on the brand.
EC3 spoke to Fightful.com on a recent media call to discuss the new names, which include several highly touted up and comers, mixed with established veterans and foreign stars. He also noted that he assessed the situation of new ownership to make sure he wasn't stepping on any toes.
"The whole change over from ownerships to creative, to all of that. Before the change -- I don't want to pat my own back, but I will -- I had established myself as a locker room leader in a sense. I took a step back to see where the chips would fall. There were some changes again. I've talked to new ownership and I'm ready to assume that role again," said EC3.
As it pertains to the talent themselves, EC3 said that he's seen plenty of positives in working with the plethora of debuting names in Impact. Heading into Impact's biggest show of the year, Bound For Glory, Ethan Carter III has found himself embroiled in a program with many of them.
"I see a lot of optimism, I see a lot of heart, but I also see a lot of things that maybe aren't the most professional way to approach them. I was once a naive, hungry-eyed talent, so I understand. I love seeing new people try new things. I love seeing what's not going to work, what's not going to work, who's going to be something and what's going to fall by the wayside, and I can only work with those worth working. Anybody who wants an opportunity, I'm willing to work with them an create great television, and give them an opportunity. At the same time it's an opportunity for me to grow and to learn and work with someone new. Basically what I'm saying is that I want to challenge Richard Justice to a street fight," said EC3.
For reference, this is Richard Justice, veteran of Impact, Chikara, AAW, Beyond, AIW and CZW perhaps better known as Dick Justice.
Impact Wrestling Bound for Glory takes place November 5 from the Aberdeen Pavilion in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Ethan Carter III will be teaming with two other Impact Wrestling mainstays in James Storm and Eddie Edwards as they take on the Team AAA combination of Texano Jr., El Hijo del Fantasma and Pagano. Also set for the show are UFC Hall of Famer Stephan Bonnar and King Mo Lawal. Fightful.com will have full, live coverage and discussion of the show.
