10 Questions With TNA's Ethan Carter III

Ethan Carter III, the storyline nephew of TNA President Dixie Carter, is a man who has turned disappointment into opportunity. Originally languishing in WWE's developmental system as Derrick Bateman, he was released after 4 years with the company and was soon picked up by TNA. They saw potential in the man and over the past two years, his character has carefully been crafted into one of the real success stories of the company. Rather than being someone who made their name in the WWE, Carter (real name Michael Hutter, 32) has been a home-grown success for TNA.

Carter is still undefeated in TNA since starting with the company in 2013 and his gradual rise to the top is set to potentially peak at TNA's next pay-per-view show, Slammiversary XIII on June 28th 2015, when he challenges Olympic gold medallist and current reigning TNA World Heavyweight Champion, Kurt Angle for his title.

I had the chance to speak over the phone with EC3 to discuss a number of subjects: his time in the WWE, the constant rumours circulating about TNA's future, the difference between WWE and TNA creative, Billy Corgan, Rockstar Spud and a whole lot more.

These are 10 Questions wth Ethan Carter III...

You were under contract with the WWE for 4 years as Derrick Bateman before you joined TNA 2 years ago. When you first joined TNA, what were the main differences that you noticed?

I was coming from the developmental system and not the TV aspect of WWE, but doing my job and coming back to what felt like good vibes and constructive criticism [in TNA] as opposed to negativity and stares and backstabbing….so yeah, that was the main difference from the aspect of an environmental change while I was there.

I mean, a lot of the experiences I had there were very good, and they trained me to become who I am. I was trained for this opportunity that came somewhere else. There’s definitely a lot of great things that happened up there, but there was also a sour taste involved.