5 opponents we'd like to see EC3 face in NXT

Trouble is coming to NXT and his name is Ethan Carter III. He is also known as EC3 and appeared at WWE's NXT Takeover: Philadelphia event this past January, indicating to fans that he was rejoining the promotion. From the moment he appeared on screen, the discussion wasn't centered on if he had signed, but when fans would have the chance to see him step back into a WWE ring.

For those that are unaware, EC3 competed in Florida Championship Wrestling, and rather than continue to be Derrick Bateman and feel as though he was not being used to best of his abilities, EC3 was released, and went on to take advantage of what Impact Wrestling provided him.

When he debuted as the nephew of owner Dixie Carter, EC3 proved that he was more than just a name and a character, he was a skilled athlete that could deliver engaging and captivating promos threatening just how dangerous he was and what he is capable of doing.

What does the future hold for him in NXT, and who would fans like to see him square off against? Here are five potential feuds and opponents we'd like to see for EC3 in NXT.

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#5 Tomasso Ciampa

Could a feud between these two be reminiscent of The Rock and Austin during the Attitude Era?

While Ciampa has been away recovering from a torn ACL injury, fans will see how dangerous he can be upon his return. During his time in Ring of Honor, Ciampa was known for being the equivalent of the anti-authority character of Stone Cold Steve Austin, but with more of a heelish nature.

In comparison, EC3. in TNA. was more like The Rock during the latter's time with the Corporation under the leadership of Vince McMahon. This certainly lends itself some interesting possibilities for a program between Tomasso Ciampa and EC3.

What would happen if these two were to face each other? If it is anything like the longstanding feud between Austin and The Rock, then it Would be a fairly intense series of matches. Both men would certainly bring something different than to the feud, as their styles are very different.

That said, the difference in styles could also lend itself to Ciampa attacking EC3 or EC3 getting the better of Ciampa. The promos between them could be equally as intense.

#4 Killian Dain

Does the angry Irishman stand between EC3 and success?

The Bruiser from Belfast and SaNitY member continue to rise up the ranks of challengers for the NXT championship. Dain hasn't backed down or walked away from a fight, and we wouldn't expect him to do that.

A feud with the former TNA champion would lend itself to some truly challenging exchanges between the two. As those who are familiar with EC3 are aware, his ability to deliver a convincing and intense promo reached its peak during his time in TNA. Dain, on the other hand, is the much more brooding, strong, silent type.

A feud between the two of them could be billed as a number of things, whether it's the brash against The Bruiser or the silent violence against the confident conqueror. Fans would be treated to a phenomenal battle between these two.

And EC3 and Eric Young are no strangers to one another, so to have a Young protégé square off would add extra flavor to a contest between the two.

#3 Velveteen Dream

Would the Velveteen Dream not have a chance against those around them?

EC3 may come in as a fan favorite, which he certainly was during his appearance at NXT Takeover: Philadelphia. One of the greatest qualities any character can have over their opponent is some form of psychological advantage.

That has been one of Goldust's greatest qualities, as his character years ago would play on his opponents' inhibitions, giving him an advantage over them and the ultimate win.

EC3 has never been short on in-ring confidence, but someone that will memorize his opponents like the Velveteen Dream would certainly test that confidence. How would EC3 fare against the at times androgynous mannerisms of the Dream?

He is also a character that is never short on confidence himself, and we could see if he could play on his opposition's psyche. EC3 could possibly counter the Velveteen Dream's psychology by reminding him that trouble is on the way.

#2 Adam Cole

How would these to incredibly brash and confident competitors do against one another?

There was never a matchup featuring two characters that exuded so much confidence, bordering on arrogance, like a battle between EC3 and Adam Cole. A confrontation between these two would be unique because, as it stands, Cole has the support of both Kyle O'Reilly and Bobby Fish, whereas EC3 walks alone.

However, that doesn't mean he would have to go it alone with Cole; as many will recall EC3 would often have support when he was in Impact Wrestling, with either Tyrus or Rockstar Spud often taking a bullet for him.

They could easily play on Carter's past in NXT, and how unlike Cole, he was kicked out because he wasn't good enough. However, Carter could counter that by making reference to Cole's failed attempts to break into WWE in several tryouts.

The feud could get very personal, and ego may be the entire basis, showing fans just how dangerous they can be. It would also be a battle of size and strength, facing striking ability and technical prowess.

#1 Aleister Black

These two would represent such a contrast in styles that they could help?

He often tells his opposition about his journey to be where he is. And if there is anyone that could see the parallels of their story equate to that of Black, it would be EC3. As mentioned, EC3 used to be part of the WWE's FCW brand, continuing until just when NXT was getting started.

He has seen the challenges of trying to present a character that resonates with the fans. He succeeded once he departed WWE and was given the opportunity to flourish as the Ethan Carter III character in Impact Wrestling.

He is very unlike that of Aleister Black both physically and as a character. However, in having him square off against Black, fans would see a unique blend of styles by two members of the promotion, one that has newly called it home and one that has returned to it.

How would EC3 fare compare to Black? A battle between the two men would certainly lend itself to some rather interesting exchanges.