Ethan Carter III Talks TNA Bound for Glory, Destination America, WWE and More

Impact Wrestling has gone through major changes over the last two years, and the biggest highlight from TNA programming every week is the performance of world heavyweight champion Ethan Carter III.

After going unpinned and unsubmitted since he debuted in Impact Wrestling, Carter has reached the highest point possible in TNA by winning the world title. Now, ECIII will defend his championship against Drew Galloway in the main event of the Bound for Glory pay-per-view on Sunday, October 4.

Carter recently spoke with Ring Rust Radio (quotes courtesy of the News of Delaware County's Joe Arcidiacono) about his main event match at TNA Bound for Glory against Drew Galloway, the future of Impact Wrestling on Destination America, his career in WWE and much more.

While there have been issues with how TNA has been booking the main storylines in the company, Carter has been impervious to the failures. Every time the champion hits the ring or cuts a promo, the wrestling fans watching can’t help but be impressed by his confidence and prowess.

Now, after working hard to reach the top of the mountain, the champion will defend his title against Galloway in a marquee main event match. Despite the pressure of being the focal point of the biggest TNA PPV of the year, Carter is ready to embrace the pressure and steal the show.

Carter spoke about being put in the position to carry the company into Bound for Glory:

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Well, I just mentioned how my sports car is European, and that is the extent of how I like Europeans, is in my cars. Professional wrestlers that are European, I don’t care for. Drew Galloway hails from Scotland. He is 6’5”, weighs 260 pounds, and is one of the toughest guys in wrestling. For me to have the chance to main event Bound for Glory with him is a huge opportunity, and I couldn’t be more excited for it. It is the biggest show of the year for TNA, and I am the biggest thing in TNA, seeing it as I am the world heavyweight champion. I am unbendable, unbreakable, unbeatable, undefeated and undisputed, and it only makes sense. It’s only fitting that I main event Bound for Glory, but it is still a great honor and responsibility to deliver.

"

The champion is always confident in his own ability in the ring—as he should be—but the fact that he understands the magnitude of the moment will ensure he doesn’t underestimate the stage or his opponent.

Speaking of his challenger, both Galloway and Carter used to work for WWE but were not given the opportunities needed to truly showcase who they are as stars. Now, TNA has given them the chance to prove WWE management and critical fans wrong by main eventing the biggest show on TNA’s calendar.

Carter spoke about the chips on the shoulder of the two competitors and how that would impact the style and caliber of match at Bound for Glory:

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Yes, I would say that ... This has been an opportunity for us and we have proved our detractors wrong since we stepped foot in TNA. It’s just another opportunity to exploit that chip on your shoulder that helps make you great in this business. I think you need the angst and energy to motivate your performance. Not that it would motivate me more then I was previously motivated, but it’s there and real and we are ready for that chance.

"

While TNA’s future looks to be in good hands with two promising stars like Carter and Galloway at the forefront of the programming, there is uncertainty about the current television deal between Destination America and Impact Wrestling.

TNA President Dixie Carter spoke to Sports Illustrated about the current TV deal, and she stated that it will run through the end of the year. Despite this clear announcement, there are still rumors running roughshod thanks to the dirtsheets.

Carter addressed the rumors of Impact Wrestling’s contract candidly:

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They are just rumors and speculation. My only problem is when people portray those as facts. I do not know our future besides Aunt Dixie telling me we are on Destination America through the end of the year. I have full confidence in the higher ups, the office and my sweet Aunt D that we will be well taken care of and be somewhere on television.

"

Regardless of what the future holds for TNA Wrestling and Carter, his ability to showcase his talents on national television will open everyone’s eyes. His run in TNA is far from over, but he will be the hottest free agent in wrestling if he ever does decide to explore his options.

In the mean time, Carter holds the most prestigious title in the company and will be forced to shoulder the weight of the company heading into TNA’s biggest PPV of the year. Thankfully for wrestling fans, his shoulders are strong enough for the task.

If you don’t watch Impact Wrestling every week, do yourself a favor and enjoy one of the most talented performers in the business stealing the show every single Wednesday.

For more wrestling talk, listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot topics or catch the latest episode in the player above (some language NSFW).