EC3 Shockingly Departs The NWA
It’s January 1, 2026. Most of the world is busy nursing a champagne-induced headache or pretending they’re actually going to stick to that new gym routine. Meanwhile, EC3 is starting his year by dropping a pipe bomb on the National Wrestling Alliance.
EC3’s Announcement On Social Media
The former NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion took to social media to confirm what the rumor mill had been whispering: he is officially done with the promotion. And in true Carter fashion, he didn’t just issue a generic “best of luck in future endeavors” press release. No, he delivered a manifesto.
If you’ve been following the NWA lately—and let’s be honest, that’s a specific niche of wrestling fandom—you know that EC3 has been the glue holding the “Ten Pounds of Gold” together for the last year. But now that the narrative has changed, we have to ask: What exactly is the legacy of the Top 1% in Billy Corgan’s playground, and where does he go from here?
The End of an Era (and a Service to the Public)
Let’s address the elephant in the room immediately. Or rather, let’s address the retirement of the elephant.
In his departure statement, EC3 made sure to highlight a specific bullet point on his resume: “And yes, I retired Tyrus. You’re welcome.”
For that alone, many wrestling purists would argue the man deserves a Hall of Fame induction immediately. Tyrus’s reign as champion was, to put it politely, terrible. Go rewatch those matches, especially the one with EC3. Tyrus’s knees were knackered and he walked to the ring with a hunch. EC3 stepping in to end that chapter wasn’t just a title change; it was a mercy killing for the belt’s lineage.
But reducing his run to just that one match does a disservice to the workhorse mentality he displayed. We are talking about a 370-day reign. In an era where champions often feel like temporary placeholders for the next TV rating spike, EC3 defended that belt over 80 times across four continents. He carried that strap like it was 1985, treating the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship with a reverence that, quite frankly, the booking didn’t always match.
Highlights of a 370-Day Reign
Looking back at the tape, EC3 didn’t take the easy road. His statement highlighted a few brutal encounters that defined his tenure:
- Samhain in Cleveland (2023 PPV): A battle against Tom Latimer in his home base.
- The Death Match: A bloody affair with the “Indy God” Matt Cardona, proving that EC3 isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty (or stapled).
- Jax Dane: A defense that showcased his ability to work with the super-heavyweights.
He made the NWA title feel like a prize worth fighting for. Even when the promotion itself felt like it was struggling to find its identity in a crowded marketplace dominated by WWE, TNA, NJPW, and AEW. Also, with Billy Corgan’s incompetence when his actions cancelled their better TV deal. They’re lucky that they got a new one, but Corgan’s incompetence almost killed the NWA. EC3’s departure is a big loss for the NWA and they’re going to miss one of their top notable names.
What is Next for the Narrative?
So, the NWA chapter is closed. The book is shut. The narrative has been controlled. Now, the speculation begins.
EC3 is a free agent in a wrestling landscape that is hungry for established stars who can talk people into the building. He has the WWE pedigree, the TNA history, and now, a proven track record of carrying a company on his back during lean times.
Does he return to a major TV product? Does he continue to build his own brand on the independents? Or does he find a new project to rehabilitate? Well, Time will tell there.
