BREAKING: Former Impact Champion returning to WWE?

First reported by the Observer, and corroborated by multiple sources (Wrestlinginc.com, Ringsidenews.com), former Impact Champion Ethan Carter III will be returning to WWE.

Carter was granted an early release from Impact Wrestling, and is now able to compete wherever he wishes. Sportskeeda.com reports ECIII was spotted at the WWE Performance Center, seemingly confirming rumors of a return. As well, an independent promotion pulled ECIII from their show on January 28th - the day of the Royal Rumble. 

This would mark a return to the company for ECIII, who previously wrestled in WWE under Derrick Bateman. However, he is most famous for his work in Impact: Winning multiple championships for the company. These include winning the Impact Grand Championship & TNA World Heavyweight Championship (twice).

Speculation of a return began almost immediately after ECIII left Impact Wrestling. WWE is not expected to make an official announcement on the signing; current plans call for Ethan Carter III to debut at the Royal Rumble on January 28th as a surprise entrant. There is no word whether he will return as ECIII or Derrick Bateman, but Impact is allowing former talent to continue to use  their gimmicks.

With regards to another TNA departure: Bobby Lashley still has obligations to Impact until February 1st, which makes a return to WWE at the Royal Rumble unlikely.

Be sure to follow us @WCSports for any updates on the matter! Excited to see ECIII in WWE? Let me know @Parkman15Love !