WWE Confirms Ethan Carter III's Signing, EC3 Says He Feels Redeemed Following WWE Return

WWE has confirmed that the former Derrick Bateman has been signed. The former TNA World Heavyweight Champion will continue using the EC3 name as he owns the rights.

WWE announced the following on EC3's signing and the Takeover appearance:

New NXT signee EC 3 made a surprise appearance at NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA – While the red-hot action inside the ring at TakeOver: Philadelphia kept NXT fans on the edge of their seats, the surprise cameo of NXT's newest blockbuster signing has the entire sports-entertainment world buzzing.

EC 3, a familiar face to many longtime WWE fans, made an unannounced appearance Saturday night, sitting among the NXT Universe inside the jam-packed Wells Fargo Center. A ring veteran of more than 15 years, EC 3 posed for WWE Network cameras as Mauro Ranallo confirmed that the brawny Superstar is NXT's newest signee.

Stay with WWE.com for more coverage of this story as it develops.

You never know WHO you'll run into at #NXTTakeOver. Nice to see you, @therealec3! pic.twitter.com/6QsBQ14DZG

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) January 28, 2018

 EC3 spoke with ESPN just after his first appearance back with the WWE at last night's NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia. Here are some of the highlights:

Making his return to WWE after being away for nearly five years:

"The moment was vindication. The moment was resolution. I feel redeemed."

Making it a mission to get back to WWE:

"It's only been 1,714 days since the last time I stepped foot in the WWE -- but who's counting. With each day that has passed, I've had one goal in mind -- and that was to be here, in this moment at this time for one purpose. Never once, without a shadow of a doubt, did I ever not believe in myself -- believe that I would come back. I came back with vigor and determination. I came back on a mission."\

Being the best:

"For years outside of the WWE, I've been saying one thing -- that I'm the best here, I'm the best there, I'm the best anywhere. While I was the best 'here' elsewhere, the 'there' I referenced was here [in the WWE] -- and that carries over. I'm the best here, I'm the best there, I'm the best anywhere. Competition? Bring it on. Competition? Come get a taste. Competition? I'm here."

EC3 also discussed more about his moment in the crowd. You can check out the full interview by clicking here. cr: wrestlinginc