EC3 Expected To Sign With WWE, Bobby Lashley An Uncertainty

Two major Impact Wrestling stars have said their goodbyes at the last set of TV tapings. For weeks now, both EC3 and Bobby Lashley have been rumoured to be leaving for WWE - but one remains an uncertainty.

With their contracts expiring, it was reported that both EC3 and Lashley would be joining WWE, but Lashley remains an uncertainty, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, which reads:

'Lashley is negotiating with WWE and New Japan has also shown interest in him. He would be free and clear of his Impact contract in two weeks.'

EC3, on the other hand, is thought to be a lock - although there's no word yet on whether WWE will allow him to continue using the same ring name. As it contains a reference a former Impact Wrestling president Dixie Carter, they may well prefer him to wrestle under a different moniker.

EC3 stands for 'Ethan Carter III', which refers to him being the kayfabe nephew of Dixie.

Both men have wrestled in WWE previously. Lashley was in the process of a push to become a top star, and represented Donald Trump in the 'Battle of the Billionaires' at WrestleMania 23. He famously helped shave Vince McMahon's head after the match.

Dave Meltzer explores some of the background to Lashley's sudden departure in the Observer, stating:

'Lashley and WWE had a major falling out a decade ago when they were grooming Lashley to be a superstar, with the idea of him being 1-A to Cena at #1. [...] He left over reasons that in the agreed upon release, he would never publicly talk about. It stemmed from problems between Michael Hayes and Kristal Marshall, who at the time was Lashley’s girlfriend. The two have long since split up.'

EC3 was a contestant on the reality show-style incarnation of NXT, competing as Derrick Bateman.