Impact Spoilers: EC3's Farewell Before Joining WWE?
All change in the Impact Zone.
Ethan Carter III has reportedly been granted an early release from his Impact contract (via PWInsider).
The two-time TNA World Heavyweight Champion has been persistently linked over recent months with a return to WWE, the company he left nearly five years ago. His current deal was thought to be up in the summer, but Impact chiefs have apparently acceded his request for a January exit.
The news, if true, represents a significant blow to America's number two wrestling promotion, which has seen the likes of AJ Styles, Bobby Roode, Samoa Joe and Drew Galloway depart over recent years, all of them eventually finding their way to WWE.
It is believed that Bobby Lashley, who has been arguably Impact's biggest draw since signing for the company in 2014, could follow them out the exit door in the coming months. His contract, like that of Carter, is reportedly set to expire at some point in 2018.
Impact is also said to be contending with what is described as a head injury to Eddie Edwards, who was inadvertently struck by a baseball bat during a botched spot at last night's TV taping. The former Ring of Honor star was allegedly taken to hospital after heavy bleeding backstage.
Elsewhere on the show, it was confirmed that Austin Aries will defend the Global Championship against fellow WWE alumnus Alberto Del Rio at the company's April pay-per-view, Redemption.