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| NWA World's Heavyweight Champion EC3 (Image Source: National Wrestling Alliance/Lightning One Inc.) |
Over the last year, EC3 has become synonymous with the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA)'s “Ten Pounds of Gold". Now the Cleveland, Ohio native celebrates a new milestone in his reign as NWA World’s Heavyweight Champion with a successful series of title defenses across Europe on the first weekend of July 2024 which adds The Overman's number of successful world championship title defenses to 30. EC3 is now moving into rarified territory during the renowned professional wrestling organization's Lightning One era under owner and President William Patrick "Billy" Corgan following the historic 1,043-day reign of former NWA World's Heavyweight Champion Nick Aldis.
On July 6, 2024, EC3 fended off top European challenger Tristan Archer in the Main Event of Banger Zone Wrestling’s Not Afraid. The night after victory in Faches Thumesnil, France, he defeated Italian star Red Scorpion and Elijah (formerly WWE superstar Elias) at Wrestling Megastars La Notte dei Campeoni (The Night of Champions) in Italy. Following his successful series of European title defenses, EC3 opted time from his rare day-off to speak to the NWA's official website, ominously saying, "There's always someone working to take your spot while you’re resting." It’s an opportunity for the World’s Heavyweight Champion to heap praise on his opponents, the European promotions hosting his title matches and the importance of the tour to NWA’s future. In an exclusive interview with NationalWrestlingAlliance.com, EC3 said, “This is what it means to be a real World’s champion. This is where the NWA needs to be, setting up the territories not only domestically but internationally as well.”
“I’ve heard tales. I’ve heard of his legacy. I know of his standing in Europe and standing in the world of professional wrestling,” said EC3 of Archer, a former wXw World Unified Wrestling Champion. “If the world doesn’t know about him, they should,” EC3 continued, calling Archer 'a fantastic talent'. “Rarely do I feel this, but standing in the ring with him, I felt i was in the ring with someone who might dare to be an equal to me.” The NWA World’s champion also praised BZW’s “top-notch” event, saying that the 'boisterous and proud' French audience provided an 'incredible atmosphere'. “Again, sharing the ring with Tristan Archer, competing against a man of that caliber, defeating him — whether the ending was nefarious or not. This is what we need to do as a company.” On his historic title defense the next day which is a first in Italy, EC3 said, “It’s obviously a great honor. It’s obviously tremendous business and obviously a great opportunity to bring the NWA, our style and presentation to a country that’s desperately longing for something of that nature. I had an opportunity to not only wrestle one of Italy’s finest in The Red Scorpion but to also meet an old friend Elijah. I tried to make him sing Creed. He wasn’t amused, but I thought it was incredible.” EC3 walked away from the encounter, title still intact. According to the champion, it will not be his last trip to the country, saying, “Italy is awesome. The NWA should have a presence and stronghold in Europe at all times." Now bragging 30-plus successful defenses of the NWA World’s Championship, EC3 moves into rarified territory. Only one other NWA World’s Champion — Nick Aldis, during his historic 1,043 day reign — claims more successful defenses during NWA’s Lightning One Era under owner and President William Patrick Corgan.
EC3’s sprint into the NWA history books began in August 2023 when he won the company’s top prize at NWA 75. Since taking the title which traces its lineage back over 100 years (to well before the 1948 formation of the NWA), he’s defended the belt in 14 U.S. states and five countries over four continents. In NWA alone, EC3 has faced a who’s who of top contenders. He’s taken on all comers at territory shows, television tapings, on pay-per-view and at Signature Live Events nationwide. At Samhain, EC3 defended the belt against then-World Television champion Thom Latimer who cashed in his “Lucky 7” opportunity. He followed up by besting former multi-time champion “The Dane Event” Jax Dane at NWA's Return To Robarts. The champion kicked off 2024 in winning fashion, defeating former World’s champion Matt Cardona at NWA Paranoia in a bloody “Ultimate Match of Death". Hard Times 2024 saw him thwart an effort by “The Thrillbilly” Silas Mason to trade the National title. Finally, the champ turned away AAA superstar Sam Adonis at The Crockett Cup 2024. Additionally, EC3 has put the belt on the line against top challengers worldwide. In May he defeated All Japan Pro Wrestling standout Ryuki Honda in Tokyo’s famed Korakeun Hall. A month prior, he overcame World Association of Wrestling’s Drew Marshall in England. ”It’s a huge accomplishment for EC3. And it certainly earns him a place in modern National Wrestling Alliance history," states NWA Chief Operating Officer Joe Galli.
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| (Image Source: National Wrestling Alliance/Lightning One Inc.) |
EC3 has no time to rest on his considerable laurels. The next colossal challenge to the champ’s dominance over NWA comes on August 31st in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as he puts the World’s title on the line against a to-be-determined challenger in the main event of NWA 76, the NWA’s largest Signature Live Event of the year. The anniversary spectacular sees the National Wrestling Alliance return to Philly’s legendary 2300 Arena for the first time in three decades. In addition to EC3’s World’s title, all NWA titles are expected to be defended in “The City of Brotherly Love". For more information and updates on NWA 76 and other upcoming NWA Signature Live Events, visit NationalWrestlingAlliance.com and NWA's official social media accounts.
