Ex-WWE star issues first response to fans concerned about his health at independent show

Former WWE star Ethan Carter III (EC3) has reassured fans after concerns were raised over his wellbeing during a recent ASW event in Canada.

The 43-year-old, whose real name is Michael Hutter, made headlines for the wrong reasons when he challenged Leon Lokombo for the heavyweight title.

After two spells in the WWE, EC3 is now a Superstar on the ASW roster, but appears to be showing signs of his age after a gruelling physical career.

In footage from his most recent ringwalk, EC3 moved with obvious discomfort, which raised concerns among supporters on social media for his well-being.

However, the veteran wrestler has released a statement to reassure fans that he is doing well and provide some context on why he was struggling to move with freedom.

EC3 issues statement to supporters

Writing on social media platform X, he said: "For actual context: The clip making the rounds is from my second match of the day, after a 4:00 a.m. wake-up, international travel, layover airport cardio, multiple flights, pull-day training upon landing, and an entrance where I’m intentionally selling an already tender leg.

"Selling. Professional wrestling is built on communicating consequence. If one is beat up, tired, or protecting a body part, the intent is to show it.

"Travel, disrupted sleep, altered meal timing, hydration changes and hours of sitting also tend to throw your digestive system completely off schedule. Disrupted biology doesn’t care what time bell time is, or if it misses the morning constitutional.

"Anyone who’s maintained very low body fat for years knows your physique can change noticeably from one day, even hour to hour, based on perfectly ordinary physiology. Despite my own vanity in maintaining sub-10% body fat at 220-ish pounds, I’m not particularly interested in spending my life proving I’m in shape… (for real.)

"I’d rather spend that time figuring out how to keep the next generation physically capable, creatively fulfilled, mentally resilient, and confident in themselves than my generation was coached to be. After twenty years of rings, ropes, travel, negative energy, and occasional injuries, I’ve learned plenty through trial and error.

"At Exodus Pro we’ve built our training around those lessons: smarter strength, better nutrition, recovery, movement quality, longevity, creative freedom, and positive belief. Because some of us eventually decide to become the people we wished had been there to show us the way. Not because those ideas are trendy, but because I don’t want the people coming after me paying the same physical, creative, or mental price I did just to discover what actually works.

"That’s where my energy goes. Not into bathroom mirror selfies or internet defense.

"As I write this, I’m sitting in another airport on another layover. If anyone needs me, I’ll be at the D Gates getting my steps in, voodoo flossing my ankle, wacky lymphatic movements, and getting ready to do it all over again. Building wrestlers. Building people. Trying to leave this business better than I found it…or until somebody finally kicks my ass."