WWE fans concerned about ex-star's health as footage from independent show goes viral

Wrestling fans have expressed their concerns after footage of EC3 went viral on social media.

It's no secret that professional wrestling can be extremely taxing on an athlete's body, with many of the biggest stars forced into retirement through injury.

Even currently, the likes of Rhea Ripley and Logan Paul, two of the WWE's household names, are currently sidelined with brutal injuries sustained in the ring.

For those that make it through their careers without being forced into an early retirement, some decide to continue appearing at local events long after their WWE careers are over.

One of these athletes is Ethan Carter III (EC3), real name Michael Hutter, who recently appeared at ASW Canada event, challenging Leon Lokombo for the heavyweight title.

And although it's good to see the 43-year-old is still in action, footage from the event has got some fans online admitting that they are concerned for his health.

The footage shows EC3 making his walkout ahead of the match, but doing so in what appears to be quite a lot of discomfort.

He appears to be limping and struggling with either his hips or knees, prompting reaction from fans on social media.

Reacting to the clip, one fan asked: "Are his knees gone or is he just walking weird?"

Another added: "Man, I hope he gets some help dude looks like he’s in so much pain."

With another writing: "I know it's been like 15+ years since the height of his stock but that room looks empty, he visibly looks in pain and on something. Just kinda sad man."

EC3 first appeared in WWE events back in 2009, competing under the names Mike Hutter and Derrick Bateman.

On May 17, 2013, he was released from his contract, ending his four-year tenure with the company, before later returning under his EC3 moniker in January 2018.

In his second stint EC3 competed in several NXT events and even appeared as a part of the main roster, but eventually was released from his WWE contract as part of budget cuts stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020.

READ MORE: Why AEW star Will Ospreay turned down WWE and how he made his name without 'the machine'

Ex-WWE wrestlers that are still competing in smaller events

Like EC3, there are several former WWE stars that remain active in wrestling despite no longer being a part of the major wrestling organisation.

Since his WWE departure, former US Champion and Raw Tag Champion, and unbeaten UFC fighter, Matt Riddle has maintained an active schedules competing across MLW (Major League Wrestling), NJPW (New Japan Pro-Wrestling and other international tours.

The Hardys (Matt and Jeff Hardy), currently hold the TNA World Tag Team Championship, having both been former WWE Champions and World Tag Team titleholders.

Meanwhile former multi-time WWE World Heavyweight and Intercontinental Champion Nic Nemeth (Dolph Ziggler) is the reigning TNA World Champion.

And former WWE World Heavyweight and Intercontinental Champion Christian Cage is currently reigning as an AEW World Tag Team Champion alongside partner Adam 'Edge' Copeland.