Impact Wrestling News: Former TNA World Champion files documents to trademark his character name

What's the story?

Former Impact Wrestling World Heavyweight Champion, Ethan Carter III-- popularly known as EC3, has reportedly filed documents to trademark his character/in-ring name.

In case you didn't know...

EC3, who is mostly known for his work for Impact Wrestling, is also a former WWE superstar who worked for Vince McMahon's promotion for over 5 years. Carter made his first WWE appearance in 2003 and made sporadic appearances for the company.

However, in 2010, WWE announced that Carter would join the NXT roster for the fourth season of the show. But, the Willoughby native had one of the most dreadful runs in NXT history and was released from the company shortly after.

The 34-year-old would then start wrestling on the Indies and was signed by Impact Wrestling in 2013. Carter is one of the most successful stars in Impact history where he won the Impact World Title on two occasions and is also a one-time Impact Grand Champion.

The heart of the matter

Impact Wrestling star EC3 has recently filed documents in order to get the rights to legally own his in-ring name. It has been reported that the documents were filed last week by the former Impact World Champion and the documents apparently stated that: “Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibits and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer; Entertainment services in the nature of live visual and audio performances by an actor.” It was also being stated that Carter wants to legalize his name in order to conduct fitness classes.

However, it was also reported by Pro Wrestling Sheet a few months ago that, Ed Nordholm has recently claimed that Impact will allow their superstars to own their character's name even after they leave the company in the future.

New Impact Executive Vice-presidents Don Callis and Scott D'Amore have also recently confirmed this news during recent interviews. And if Impact dies to stick to their word then EC3 will be able to own his name within a few months.

What's next?

There have been several reports that have recently suggested that EC3 (Along with Bobby Lashley) might be leaving the Impact Zone really soon, once their contract expires in the near future.

Author's Take

I think this situation clearly shows that EC3 might be heading his way out from the Impact Zone and might be willing to sign with some top promotion in the future. And it looks like Carter would also like to get addressed by the name of EC3, even after his exit from Impact Wrestling.