From The WWE Rumor Mill: Ethan Carter III on the verge of signing with WWE

What's the story?

Following the latest edition of The Wrestling Observer Newsletter, well-known journalist Dave Meltzer has confirmed the news that former Impact Wrestling World Champion Ethan Carter III— formerly known as Derrick Bateman in WWE— is all set to make his grand return to the company later this year.

In case you didn't know...

EC3 had previously worked with the WWE under the company’s developmental territory of NXT, where he was mentored by four-time WWE World Champion Daniel Bryan. He wrestled for WWE for a span of three years before being released of his contract in 2013.

Ever since his departure from WWE, EC3 has proved himself to be one of the best in-ring competitors having wrestled on the independent scene and for Impact Wrestling for the past five years. Furthermore, the 34-year-old superstar also owns the rights to his EC3 name and Impact Wrestling has also made it clear that they will allow their departed wrestlers to use their gimmicks and characters for other wrestling promotions following the legal battle involving Matt Hardy and his ‘Broken’ gimmick in 2017.

The heart of the matter

On the other hand, EC3 was also scheduled to appear for an indy promotion on the 28th January, but EC3 has now reportedly canceled the planned appearance which has increased the speculations that he might make a surprise appearance at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia and might enter the 2018 Royal Rumble match as a surprise entrant on the very same day.

What's next?

Former WWE US Champion Bobby Lashley could also be making his return to the company

The Observer also noted that Ethan Carter’s former Impact Wrestling colleague and former WWE US Champion Bobby Lashley is currently in talks with WWE for a potential return to the company in 2018. However, New Japan Pro Wrestling has also shown interest in signing the MMA veteran, who will be free and clear of his Impact contract within the next two weeks.

Author's take

Both EC3 and Lashley returning to the WWE in 2018 will be groundbreaking news, the two men are tremendously talented and both of them have the champions' mentality. I also think that they will be a solid addition to the WWE roster.