EC3 just wants Thom Latimer to control his own narrative and realize his own potential.
WrestleZone Managing Editor Bill Pritchard recently spoke with EC3, who battles Thom Latimer at NWA Hard Times 3 (aka Hard Times In New Orleans). EC3 spoke about how the feud began with Latimer at NWA 74 in August and how long-form storytelling is something that appeals to him.
“Yeah, that’s definitely intrigued me, and I think Thom Latimer’s [story], if it’s real, people feel it. If it’s real, we as talent feel it. I think Thom Latimer’s real story is so intriguing because I’ve known him for such a long time. From FCW days, and just him being pegged as being a top guy in any company. He’s a superstar, he has the look, he has the moves, he has the work ethic. He has the ability to — a natural charisma about him. I mean, the guy is an A-Plus first-round draft pick star, and the only thing that ever defeated him were his own demons,” EC3 stated. “So he had a hard time from WWE to IMPACT. He battled himself, and that’s been his toughest opponent until me.
“I still feel like now that he’s on this path, he’s happy in life, he’s happy in marriage, he’s happy in his career. Happiness can breed complacency. And I think for a guy like Thom Latimer, to truly reach his top potential, he has to finally quell every demon he has and if that takes me to bring them out of him, then that will be the case. Because at this point,” EC3 explained, “I want to bring people to their best. I want them to control their narrative, to be able to tell their story. Because the real stories of some of these talents that I choose are so much more intriguing than those that could be written and produced. Their realities are what make people feel the emotions and feel something within themselves and to bring their stories to the forefront in a realistic manner. That is a [form of] storytelling I’m looking to do.”
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EC3 noted that he’s going through hell personally and professionally, so he is perhaps projecting his own demons and issues onto Latimer and using it as an escape. He noted that there are layers involved, but praised the NWA for giving talent the freedom to explore those stories.
Despite knowing Latimer for many years, the two have not competed in the same match until they crossed paths at NWA 74 this summer. EC3 says they might not have the on-air relationship, but there’s a deeper level highlighted and he’s hopeful they are both on equal ground at Hard Times.
“In a professional, fighting within the ring [context], I think we barely touched, to be honest. From FCW to IMPACT, I feel our very first physical confrontation [in NWA] may be our first. There may have been some punches thrown in a battle royale or a weird gimmick match at one point. But our interactions are beyond what has been seen on camera. Our actions to kind of what’s been off camera as far as the cordiality in a friendship and sort of a professional brotherhood.
“What I love about that too, the storytelling I’m trying to sink my teeth into is taking things to a level where the first time, competitors lock up. People are excited to see it,” EC3 explained, “because nothing’s been thrown away and everything’s been protected and pristine and ready to fully even slate and may the best man win. There’s no unnecessary fights backstage or hitting him with chair, things like that, attacking him from behind or having my goons beat him up. I mean, I did do that once, but I had to send a message. But for us to go to Hard Times 3 completely at even levels, I love that. I wish wrestling could do that more. It’s making people anticipate something.”
NWA Hard Times takes place on November 12 at the Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center in New Orleans (Chalmette) Louisiana.
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