EC3 and the NWA On the Rise

Michael Hutter has been wrestling for more than 20 years. Assuming several names, he has wrestled in all of the big U.S. companies and several independent groups. He is perhaps best known for his stint in TNA as Ethan Carter III, the nephew of owner Dixie Carter.

In 2022, he signed with the National Wrestling Alliance, rechristened EC3. Since then, he has been on a successful run, winning the NWA National Championship and challenging NWA champ Tyrus.

I attended a special charity NWA event, followed by a set of television tapings. This was my first foray into the world of NWA.

I grew up watching the old NWA on tv. I also worked with current NWA owner Billy Corgan at Resistance Pro Wrestling. I have followed the story since Billy bought the NWA.

While the NWA is still behind the WWE, AEW and probably Impact, too, it is growing and has a nice product. Television tapings are always weird. Done out of context, sometimes the story is lost on fans. The charity show was a better indication of what the NWA does.

In a packed rec center, the NWA put on an amazing show. It was about three hours of fantastic wrestling action. Despite it being a show to raise money for an injured youngster, it had the feel of the old NWA I watched years ago.

Billy gets criticized for lots of things in wrestling. Some of the reactions are deserved, but I give him credit for his love of the business. I give him praise for trying to get NWA back to its glory days. It still has a long way to go, but Billy is slowly bringing it back to prominence.

For more info, go to NationalWrestlingAlliance.com.  Check back here and TheEveryDayFan.com for more wrestling coverage.

EC3 and me in Highland Park, IL-July 2023.

Jay Bradley and HP Cares For Cooper

Earlier this month, I attended a special weekend in Highland Park, IL. Hosted by Billy Corgan and the National Wrestling Alliance, HP Cares For Cooper and NWA Powerrr Television tapings made for an amazing weekend. A more detailed recap of my weekend is on the Highland Park Patch.

There were several old friends I wanted to see at the events. I saw all of them, with varying levels of engagement due to time and situation constraints.

One of those people was Jay Bradley. When I was involved with Resistance Pro Wrestling, Jay was one of the first faces of the company. Jay was an excellent wrestler, who probably would have won the title if he didn't have other wrestling commitments.

Jay's parents were two of the first folks I saw that weekend. It was great catching up with them. I kept a close eye on them after the shows, because I figured Jay would eventually go to them, which he did. I took that opportunity to grab Jay for a quick chat and picture. I knew he was busy with them and his duties at the show. I was happy for that moment.

Go to NationalWrestlingAlliance.com for more info on Jay and the NWA. Check back here for my recurring wrestling coverage.

Jay Bradley and me in Highland Park, IL-July 2023.

On the Beat With Cody James

Continuing my pre-event coverage of two special National Wrestling Alliance Highland Park shows, I interviewed Chicago area wrestler Cody James. The full story is at NWA Comes to Highland Park for Special Weekend.

Although he started his wrestling career later than the average wrestler, Cody has made up for lost time by wrestling for several companies all over the area. This weekend though, it's all about the NWA. More specifically, it is about the NWA and Highland Park.

Last year, there was a horrific mass shooting at the Highland Park Fourth of July parade. Eight year old Cooper Roberts was shot in the back, resulting in surgeries, rehabilitation and ongoing medical costs. Saturday's HP Cares for Cooper is a fundraiser benefitting Cooper and his family. Many of the NWA's top wrestlers will be there.

Sunday, the wrestling fun continues with two Powerrr television tapings. Like Saturday, again many of the best NWA has on its roster will be present.

This weekend is significant for the NWA and the Highland Park community. NWA President, HP resident and businessman Billy Corgan organized the weekend to bring together his community.

For more information, go to NationalWrestlingAlliance.com. Check back here for more coverage.

On the Beat With Missa Kate

I love covering all sorts of pop culture events, but I especially enjoy spreading the word on important causes. Next weekend, on July 8-9, the National Wrestling Alliance is putting on two very special events.

On Saturday, the NWA presents HP Cares for Cooper, a fundraiser for Cooper Roberts, a youngster shot in the back during the horrific mass shooting last year in Highland Park, IL. On Sunday, there are two NWA Powerrr television tapings.

While both days promise excellent wrestling action, the focus is really on raising funds for the Roberts family to help with medical expenses of Cooper and his twin Luke, also injured in the shooting. Saturday is a free event, but donations are encouraged.

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of interviewing Missa Kate, one of the wrestlers slated to appear. "Chicago's favorite sweetheart" is one half of the NWA Women's Tag Team Champions (along with Madi Wrenkowski). She discussed her 127 day title reign, wrestling in her home area and more, including the Highland Park events, of course.

This will really be a wonderful event, pulling together the Highland Park and wrestling communities. I applaud the NWA and Billy Corgan (NWA President and Highland Park resident). I will be "On the Beat" all weekend and reporting back here.

Check my interview at On the Beat with Missa Kate on the Johngy's Beat YouTube channel. Check NationalWrestlingAlliance.com for more info on these events and other NWA news. Also, go to TheEveryDayFan.com and Patch.com for more of the story.