Before making his mark in the world of professional wrestling, Ethan Carter III, also known as EC3, began his career in the industry by training at Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), a developmental territory for WWE. Under the guidance of seasoned veterans, EC3 honed his skills and developed a unique in-ring persona that would eventually catch the attention of WWE talent scouts. His hard work and dedication paid off when he was signed to a developmental contract with WWE in 2009.
EC3 made his WWE debut as Derrick Bateman, a charismatic and confident young talent with a bright future ahead of him. He quickly made a name for himself in the company, showcasing his athleticism and natural charisma in the ring. Despite his initial success, EC3’s journey in WWE was just beginning, and he was determined to make a lasting impact on the wrestling world.
Key Takeaways
- Corey Graves began his wrestling career in 2000 and made his WWE debut in 2014 as a color commentator.
- He gained popularity as “The Varsity Villain” and formed a successful tag team with Neville.
- Graves had a memorable feud with The Miz before retiring from in-ring competition due to injury.
- After retiring, he transitioned to commentary and became a staple on NXT broadcasts.
- Despite attempting a comeback, Graves ultimately retired from in-ring competition and focused on his commentary career.
Breakout as “The Varsity Villain”
After several years of honing his craft in WWE’s developmental system, EC3 was repackaged as “The Varsity Villain,” a cocky and arrogant character who exuded confidence and charisma. This new persona allowed EC3 to showcase his versatility as a performer, and he quickly became a fan favorite with his entertaining promos and in-ring abilities. His breakout moment came when he captured the FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship, solidifying his status as a rising star in the company.
As “The Varsity Villain,” EC3 continued to climb the ranks in WWE, earning the respect of his peers and fans alike. His natural charisma and undeniable talent set him apart from his peers, and it was only a matter of time before he would make a major impact on the main roster.
Feud with The Miz and Departure from WWE
One of EC3’s most memorable feuds during his time in WWE was with none other than The Miz, a seasoned veteran and former WWE Champion. Their rivalry captivated audiences around the world, as both men brought out the best in each other inside the ring. Their matches were filled with intense action and drama, and it was clear that EC3 was destined for greatness in the company.
Despite his success in WWE, EC3’s journey with the company came to an unexpected end when he was released from his contract in 2013. This departure came as a shock to many fans and fellow wrestlers, as EC3 had proven himself to be a valuable asset to the company. However, this setback only fueled EC3’s determination to succeed in the wrestling world, and he was ready to embark on a new chapter in his career.
Transition to Commentary and NXT
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| Metrics | Transition to Commentary | NXT |
|---|---|---|
| Viewership | Increased by 15% | Steady with slight increase |
| Engagement | Higher interaction on social media | Positive feedback from audience |
| Content Quality | Improved storytelling and analysis | Exciting matches and storylines |
| Ad Revenue | Increased by 20% | Stable ad revenue |
“`
Following his departure from WWE, EC3 transitioned to a role behind the scenes as a commentator for various wrestling promotions. His natural charisma and knowledge of the industry made him a perfect fit for this new role, and he quickly became a fan favorite on the commentary team. However, EC3’s passion for wrestling never wavered, and he was eager to make his return to the ring.
In 2018, EC3 made his highly anticipated return to the wrestling world when he signed with NXT, WWE’s developmental brand. His return was met with excitement and anticipation, as fans were eager to see what he would bring to the table. EC3 quickly made an impact in NXT, showcasing his in-ring abilities and proving that he was ready to take on the best competition in the industry.
Attempted Comeback and Departure from WWE
Despite his initial success in NXT, EC3’s journey with WWE took an unexpected turn when he was once again released from his contract in 2020. This departure came as a surprise to many fans and fellow wrestlers, as EC3 had proven himself to be a valuable asset to the company. However, this setback only fueled EC3’s determination to succeed in the wrestling world, and he was ready to embark on a new chapter in his career.
Post-WWE Career and Personal Life
Following his departure from WWE, EC3 continued to make waves in the wrestling world, competing for various promotions around the globe. His natural charisma and undeniable talent made him a sought-after talent, and he quickly became a fan favorite wherever he went. In addition to his wrestling career, EC3 also became an advocate for mental health awareness, using his platform to raise awareness for important causes.
In his personal life, EC3 has remained dedicated to his craft and continues to inspire others with his resilience and determination. He has proven himself to be a true role model both inside and outside of the ring, and his impact on the wrestling world is undeniable.
Legacy and Impact on the WWE Universe
EC3’s legacy in the wrestling world is one that will be remembered for years to come. His natural charisma, undeniable talent, and unwavering determination have made him a beloved figure in the industry. Despite facing numerous setbacks throughout his career, EC3 has always remained dedicated to his craft and has inspired countless individuals with his resilience.
His impact on the WWE Universe is undeniable, as he has captivated audiences around the world with his entertaining promos and intense in-ring abilities. Whether it’s as “The Varsity Villain” or simply as EC3, he has proven himself to be a true force to be reckoned with inside the squared circle.
In conclusion, EC3’s journey in the wrestling world is one that is filled with triumphs and setbacks, but through it all, he has remained dedicated to his craft and has inspired countless individuals along the way. His legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of fans and fellow wrestlers alike, as he has proven himself to be a true icon in the industry.
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FAQs
Who is Alex Riley?
Alex Riley is a former professional wrestler and current commentator. He is best known for his time in WWE, where he competed as a wrestler and later transitioned to a commentary role.
What is Alex Riley’s real name?
Alex Riley’s real name is Kevin Kiley Jr.
When did Alex Riley start his wrestling career?
Alex Riley began his wrestling career in 2007 when he signed a developmental contract with WWE and was assigned to Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), which later became NXT.
What are some of Alex Riley’s notable achievements in wrestling?
During his wrestling career, Alex Riley achieved success as a tag team champion in FCW and also had notable feuds and matches in WWE, including a high-profile rivalry with The Miz.
What is Alex Riley doing now?
After retiring from in-ring competition, Alex Riley transitioned to a commentary role and currently works as a commentator for various wrestling promotions. He also pursued acting and appeared in several films and television shows.
