Ethan Page has issued a bold invitation to WWE legend John Cena, suggesting the two meet in NXT during Cena’s ongoing retirement tour. The challenge follows Page’s recent interaction with another iconic figure, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, during the NXT New Year’s Evil special, where Page proved he’s ready to share the spotlight with some of wrestling’s biggest stars.

Speaking on Busted Open Radio with Bully Ray, Page reflected on his career and emphasized his readiness to take on top-tier talent. Drawing attention to his confidence and ambition, Page didn’t hesitate to call out Cena directly.

“There’s not a single wrestler living that intimidates me,” Page declared. “John Cena, on this retirement tour—hey, stop by NXT, pal. I’ll look you dead in the eyes. We could do something.

There’s not a single living, breathing wrestler that would make me feel anything other than excitement for the opportunity to take their spot and their money.”

Groomed for Greatness

Page also spoke about his growing list of career highlights, including sharing the ring with wrestling legends like Bully Ray, and his desire to continue proving himself at the highest level. “I’ve shared the ring with many Hall of Famers, many big names, many legends, many of the most dangerous men in professional wrestling,” Page said.

“Just one step at a time to reach the top. That man [The Rock] was the top. I was prepared for this. I’ve been prepared for this, and I’ll continue to be prepared for this.”

Ethan Page’s invitation to Cena underlines his confidence in facing wrestling’s biggest names, reinforcing his determination to climb to the top of the industry.

Whether Cena accepts remains to be seen, but Page is clearly ready to seize any opportunity to cement his legacy in the sport.

Ethan Page’s transition to NXT has marked a significant turning point in his career, with the wrestler not only capturing the NXT Championship but also sharing the spotlight with The Rock in a backstage segment. This new chapter comes after a period of limited opportunities in AEW, where Page saw minimal TV time before moving to ROH. There, he engaged in a prolonged feud with Tony Nese but eventually found himself off television once more.

In an appearance on Busted Open After Dark with Bully Ray, Page shed light on the difference in how he has been utilized in NXT versus AEW. When asked why AEW failed to capitalize on his potential while NXT has embraced him, Page attributed it to the leadership.

“This company is run by wrestlers.”

Ethan Page on NXT

Highlighting the wrestler-centric approach in NXT. Elaborating further, Page explained,

“[AEW] didn’t know what they had, and now they do. I’m gone. These guys have me. They have the ability to do whatever it is that they want, and they have chosen to open a door for Ethan Page to absolutely kick wide open.”

Ethan Page

Since joining NXT, Page has showcased his talent in high-profile matches, defeating notable opponents like Je’Von Evans, Cedric Alexander, and Dante Chen. His performances have not only elevated his status but also brought a new energy to the NXT roster, with Page visibly thriving in his new environment.

“Busted Open After Dark” is the late-night wrestling podcast, where Dave LaGreca and his rotating co-hosts dive deep into the hottest topics and biggest moments in pro wrestling.

Ethan Page’s NXT Championship Reign

Ethan Page’s reign as NXT Champion stands out as one of the most remarkable in the brand’s history due to its rapid ascent, record-breaking achievements, and notable title defenses.

Page captured the championship on July 7, 2024, at NXT Heatwave, emerging victorious in a fatal four-way match against Trick Williams, Je’Von Evans, and Shawn Spears. The match ended dramatically when Page secured the pinfall on Evans after inadvertently landing on him following Williams’ Trick Shot finisher. This victory made history, as Page clinched the NXT Championship a mere 40 days after his debut, the fastest climb to the title in the brand’s history.

Throughout his 86-day reign, which lasted until October 1, 2024, Page successfully defended the championship against formidable competitors such as Dante Chen, Oro Mensah, and Joe Hendry. His reign concluded during NXT’s premiere on The CW Network, where he dropped the title back to Trick Williams in a highly anticipated rematch, with CM Punk serving as the special guest referee.

Former NXT Champion Ethan Page recently shared his thoughts on The Rock following their brief interaction at last night’s NXT New Year’s Evil.

In a backstage segment, The Rock came across Ethan Page, who was speaking with NXT General Manager Ava. The Rock interrupted Page, who was complaining and talked to him about breaking Je’Von Evans’ jaw. ‘The Final Boss’ also warned Page that “payback’s gonna be a b***h.”

The Rock further made it clear that Ava is the real boss in NXT and said if Page wants to stay on The Great One’s good books, he needs to respect Ava. He then said that he hoped he’d see him on the main roster and then smacked Page’s backside, telling him to get his “sweet ass on out of here.”

Ethan Page took to social media and responded to The Rock’s comments. In a video clip, he said:

“You know, Shawn Michaels? Not a fan. Triple H, not a fan. Nick Khan, I’m assuming [he’s] not a fan. The Final Boss seems to get what I got going on. Hell, he even said I had a sweet ass. I guess we could say that The Final Boss smells what Ethan Page is cooking.”

Later, The Rock came out to the ring to deliver a promo and even mentioned the Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, referencing his recent gesture toward him during WWE Raw’s debut on Netflix.

WWE taped the December 31st episode of WWE NXT on Thursday night at the Performance Center in Orlando, FL. As with the December 24th episode, this taping gives talent and crew additional time with their families over the holiday season.

Here are the complete spoiler results for the episode:

• Kelani Jordan defeated Lola Vice. After the match, Cora Jade attempted to attack Lola Vice with a kendo stick, but Stephanie Vaquer intervened to make the save.
• Ethan Page defeated Cedric Alexander.
• Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson defeated the teams of Shotzi & Gigi Dolin and Kayden Carter & Katana Chance in a Triple Threat Tag Match.
• Izzi Dame defeated Sol Ruca.
• Wes Lee, Tyson Dupont, & Tyrick Igwe defeated Andre Chase, Hank Walker, & Tank Ledger in a six-man tag match.
• A segment was held to crown the NXT Male Superstar of the Year.

Looking ahead, WWE NXT will kick off 2024 with the New Year’s Evil special, featuring two major championship matches:

• Trick Williams will defend the NXT Championship against Oba Femi.
• Roxanne Perez will defend the NXT Women’s Championship against Giulia.

The downward spiral of Ethan Page was on full display during this week’s WWE NXT, with the former NXT Champion dramatically claiming he had “lost his smile.” In an emotional in-ring promo, Page revealed that he’s uncertain about his love for wrestling after recent setbacks.

Je’Von Evans interrupted, urging Page to shed his “All Ego” persona and show everyone the real Ethan Page. Trying to boost Page’s confidence, Evans added, “We’re all proud of you.” However, Page responded by viciously attacking Evans. He wrapped a chair around Evans’ neck and stomped on it, leaving Evans coughing up blood as officials attended to him.

Page’s internal conflict has been brewing since his defeat in the Iron Survivor Challenge at Deadline earlier this month. Following that loss, he admitted he wasn’t sure about his future, and suffered a further setback in a live event match against Dante Chen last week, before deleting his X account.

Page’s promo this week echoed Shawn Michaels’ infamous “lost my smile” moment from the February 13, 1997, edition of WWE Raw, which also took place at the Memorial Auditorium in Lowell, MA.

Stay tuned to SEScoops for updates on Ethan Page and what lies ahead for the former NXT Champion after his shocking attack on Je’Von Evans.

Ethan Page has teased an uncertain future after the former NXT Champion suffered yet another setback during this week’s NXT Deadline. At the event, Page was a part of the Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge that opened the show. Page scored two points in the match with wins over Nathan Frazer and Oba Femi but it was the Nigerian Star who’d win, earning a shot at the NXT Championship.

More On Oba Femi’s Startling Return And Win At WWE NXT Deadline

Coming up short at Deadline is just the latest setback for Page, who’s been on a downward spiral since losing the NXT title to Trick Williams in October. Speaking to NXT’s cameras after the show, the All-Ego star addressed his shortcomings.

“18 years, it took me to get here. To climb that mountain-top, to win the championship. It also took me 18 years to figure out that Ethan Page has no clue how to get back there.”

When asked to clarify his point, a dejected Page was unsure what was next, walking off while telling the cameras “I can’t do this.”

Page arrived in WWE NXT earlier this year, shortly after exiting AEW, and as he pointed out in the video, won the NXT Title within four matches of his debut. Now, the future remains unclear for the All-Ego talent, who’s facing a crisis of confidence after coming up short once again in the big opportunity. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Ethan Page as the veteran seeks to figure out what’s next for his career in WWE NXT.

Ethan Page has quickly made a name for himself in WWE NXT, and the Canadian has big plans for when he moves to the main roster. Speaking to The Takedown on SI, Page discussed what’s next for him on the main roster and set his sights on some of WWE’s biggest stars.

“Me and Cody have history… Randy’s one of my favorite wrestlers growing up. I’m grown now, so I’d love to handle that.”

Page also set his sights on John Cena, though admitted that there’s a “time crunch” as Cena will retire from in-ring competition next year. The Royal Rumble and WrestleMania are on Page’s bucket list, as is the chance to compete at a main roster PLE in his native Canada.

“There’s this show happening in Toronto. I think it’s called Elimination Chamber. Six guys got to be in that match.“

Page arrived in WWE back in May, mere days after his time with AEW expired. In July, Page became the NXT Champion, breaking the record for a WWE Superstar to go from debuting to becoming a World Champion. Page’s 86-day reign was ended by Trick Williams on WWE NXT’s debut on The CW in a match officiated by CM Punk.

As for when Page can expected to make the move to either Raw or SmackDown, that remains to be seen, but Page is ready for the move. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Ethan Page and his work both in NXT and outside the silver brand.

Former NXT Champion Ethan Page has vowed to reclaim the coveted title after earning a title shot. On this week’s WWE NXT, Page defeated Je’Von Evans and Wes Lee in a triple threat match to earn a rematch at the brand’s top prize. In the final moments of the match, Evans tried to score the pinfall victory on Lee after hitting his Spinning Corkscrew Splash. However, Page snuck in a win by inning Evans with a roll-up.

Ethan Page vs. Trick Williams for the NXT Championship is now signed for NXT Halloween Havoc on Saturday, October 27. Since it’s a heated feud and a Halloween-themed show, the match will be held under Devil’s Playground rules (explained below).

“The Devil is Real“

Page was in a great mood after climbing his way back to the top of the mountain. He’s determined to hold the NXT Championship once more, and dropped a quote from none other than CM Punk to make his point.

“Number one contender, huh? Not too fond of that. Everyone else in this locker room would die to be called number one contender. Not me. I was so used to being called champ or the champ or champion. Face of the brand, even. Hell, I was walking around saying ‘Era of Ego’ and ‘NX-Me.’

“I plan on bringing all of those back to the repertoire, and it will happen. It’ll happen right after Devil’s Playground at Halloween Havoc. Some jackass once said, ‘The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was making you believe he didn’t exist.’ Tonight, I think I made Trick a believer. I promise you, the devil is real.”

Devil’s Playground Match

Devil’s Playground is a pro wrestling stipulation that can best be described as, anything goes. Think no-holds-barred, hardcore warfare:

• No disqualifications: Weapons and outside interference allowed
• No count-outs: Falls count anywhere
• One fall to the finish: Pin, submission or referee stoppage

Ethan Page & Trick Williams’ Rivalry

Trick Williams and Ethan Page have clashed multiple times in the past. Previously ‘All Ego’ had dethroned Williams at NXT Heatwave. Page had successfully defended his title against the likes of Dante Chen, Oro Mensah, and TNA Wrestling’s Joe Hendry during his reign. Page dropped the title to Williams earlier this month on the NXT on the CW premiere. Now, these two will clash one more time at NXT’s spookiest night of the year.

During WWE NXT’s debut on The CW, Ethan Page lost the NXT Title to Trick Williams in a match officiated by WWE Raw’s CM Punk. After the match, Punk leveled Page with a GTS, resulting in ‘All Ego’ making reference to Punk’s ‘locker room-ruining ways’ on social media. During this week’s edition of the red brand, an irate Page made his WWE Raw debut and was looking for answers about his least-favorite special guest referee.

Page, visibly upset, sought answers from WWE Raw GM Adam Pearce, questioning why Punk was appointed as the referee for the title match. Pearce quickly clarified that he wasn’t responsible for the decision and instead pointed to Ava, who was standing next to him. The WWE NXT General Manager, however, shrugged off the situation, nonchalantly claiming she was “off the clock.”

As things continued to escalate, Sexyy Red made an unexpected cameo, delighting the fans and further frustrating Page. Sexyy Red hosted WWE NXT Battleground in June of this year and has appeared for WWE NXT numerous times in the past.

Later in the show, CM Punk addressed his future, which he said is uncertain after his recent victory over Drew McIntyre inside Hell in a Cell at WWE Bad Blood. Before WWE’s latest Premium Live Event, Punk did allude to who he hopes to face next, but it now looks like a showdown with Ethan Page is in the near future.

CM Punk proved to be an impartial official during WWE NXT’s premiere on The CW which went off the air with Trick Williams winning the NXT Championship. After the match though, Punk hit his signature GTS on Ethan Page, an act that hasn’t gone down well with the now-former champion.

In his first comments after losing the NXT Championship, Page shared photos of himself and his daughter on Twitter. The ‘All Ego’ Superstar didn’t reference Punk by name, but commented that “He’s been known to ruin locker rooms” and that Punk has ruined his life as well.

Punk’s infamous ‘locker room ruining’ ways would be on full display at AEW All Out 2022 where he made a series of incendiary comments on the post-show. Those comments, coupled with the backstage fight, would see Punk suspended from AEW for months and forever changed his relationship with Tony Khan’s promotion.

Given the hostility between Page and Punk during the NXT Championship match, fans are excited at the prospect of a match between the two Superstars. In the meantime, CM Punk will enter Hell in a Cell this weekend to face Drew McIntyre at WWE Bad Blood. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest from WWE NXT’s new era on The CW as well as the career of CM Punk.

When Ethan Page parted ways with AEW in May of this year, it didn’t take long for the Canadian to find his way to WWE, debuting in NXT that same month. Just 40 days after his arrival, Page captured the NXT Championship, setting a record for the fastest debuting Superstar to win a world title.

After a three-year run in AEW that saw him never win gold, Page joins Cody Rhodes & GUNTHER as a flagbearer for WWE today. On the Insight podcast, Page described what his reign has meant to him, using a single word: “validating.”

“Validating? I think that’s the perfect word, validating. Imagine your whole life you have this vision of what your potential could be, and no one around you sees the same vision as you. Then magically, the greatest wrestler of all time just has the same vision as you and says, ‘I’ll let you do that.’ And here I am, doing it. Yeah, the boyhood dream.”

Reflecting on his All-Elite tenure, Page admitted it was time to move on and that his NXT success so far proves he made the right decision.

“It was time. Yeah, it was time. And I wasn’t getting what I magically got here, which was the opportunity to show what I bring to the table.”

What’s to Come?

Page’s rapid rise to the top of NXT will see him defend the NXT Championship against Trick Williams next week during WWE NXT’s premiere on The CW Network. Whether Page’s reign continues or ends abruptly, the All-Ego star is confident this kind of opportunity wouldn’t have happened in AEW. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest updates on Ethan Page and WWE NXT’s move to The CW.

WWE has confirmed CM Punk’s role as well as the appearance of another former World Champion for NXT’s CW premiere on October 1.

NXT GM Ava held a contract signing between NXT Champion Ethan Page and Trick Williams during the latest episode of the show. Before getting into the segment, she announced that The Miz will be holding a special edition of Miz TV on the CW premiere while also confirming a Randy Orton match for the week after that.

The contract signing couldn’t be completed, however, as Page delivered an Ego’s Edge on his opponent and left without putting pen to paper. This led to NBA star Tyrese Haliburton making an appearance during the main event of the show.

Haliburton brought out both Williams and Page and made them sign the contract. The basketball star mentioned that there was one more thing to announce and then Punk came out. The Straight Edge Star confirmed that he will be the special guest referee for the upcoming title match. The show ended with both NXT stars brawling each other.

This might not be the only championship match Punk gets involved in at the upcoming show. The episode also saw NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez offering some harsh words to her childhood hero during a segment before her upcoming title defense against Giulia.

Giulia herself came out later to confront the champion. Punk had to intervene to stop Perez from attacking the Japanese star with the title belt. It’s very much possible that the wrestling veteran will have a part to play when the two female stars finally face each other at the upcoming episode.

• Watch: Tyrese Haliburton Roasts the Orlando Magic At (9/17) WWE NXT

Updated NXT On CW Premiere Match Card

Apart from CM Punk and The Miz, WWE has confirmed that Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair will also be making an appearance at the upcoming show. Here is everything that has been announced for October 1:

• WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Jade Cargill & Bianca Belair
• NXT Women’s Championship Match: Roxanne Perez (c) vs. Giulia
• Miz TV
• Street Fight: Wes Lee vs. Zachary Wentz
• NXT Championship Match With Special Guest Referee CM Punk: Ethan Page (c) vs. Trick Williams

Trick Williams has got a step closer to reclaiming the NXT Championship after earning a shot at the coveted title against Ethan Page.

Last week, NXT Champion Ethan Page, fresh off his victory over Joe Hendry, said that he wanted to defend his title on NXT’s debut episode on CW. After Pete Dunne’s assault on Williams set up a match between the two which resulted in a double count-out. NXT GM Ava announced a Last Man Standing rematch for last night’s show.

Williams defeated Dunne in a Last Man Standing match on the September 10th episode of NXT. The final moments of the match saw both men going through tables after a Russian Leg Sweep off the platform in the audience. Williams managed to make it to his feet and hit a backbody drop on NXT Champion Ethan Page through the announce table. Williams managed to beat the 10-count and won the match.

Trick Williams’ pursuit of NXT title

Trick Williams had all the momentum by his side when he put an end to Ilja Dragunov’s 206-day reign at NXT Spring Breakin’. He became the 30th man to capture the coveted title. During his title reign, he even successfully retained the title against Ethan Page. However, it was also ‘All Ego’ who dethroned Williams at NXT Heatwave.

In his reign, Page has successfully defended his title against the likes of Dante Chen, Oro Mensah, and TNA Wrestling’s Joe Hendry. On the other hand, Williams has been in pursuit of the NXT title for several months. He has now earned an opportunity to reclaim his title and become a two-time NXT Champion when NXT moves to CW on October 1. The first two weeks of the show on CW are lining up to be massive as CM Punk and Randy Orton are also scheduled to make appearances.

Next month, WWE NXT will move to The CW as part of the biggest contract in the 14-and-a-half-year history of the show. WWE has already announced some big plans for the move and fans can expect multiple championships to be on the line.

Giulia Wants Roxanne Perez

At WWE NXT No Mercy, Giulia made her long-anticipated debut and confronted NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez following the Prodigy’s win over Jaida Parker. On this week’s WWE NXT, the two again came face-to-face. After Giulia dispatched of Chelsea Green, the Japanese sensation needed just three words to make her intentions clear.

Ethan Page’s Title Defense

WWE NXT Champion Ethan Page was also around this week, fresh off his victory at NXT No Mercy over Joe Hendry. The All-Ego champion argued that he, not Trick Williams should be kicking off the show, while Williams retorted saying he’s coming for the NXT title.

Page said that he intends to defend his championship when NXT moves to the CW next month, though doubted Trick would make it to the premiere show on October 1. Williams was then ambushed by Pete Dunne. A double count-out finish during their match later in the night led to Ava announcing a Last Man Standing rematch for next week’s show.

WWE NXT on The CW

It’s not just high-stakes action that fans can expect when WWE NXT moves to the CW on October 1. With the premiere episode set to take place in Chicago, Illinois, CM Punk will be at the show. One week later, WWE NXT will travel to St. Louis, Missouri, and the city’s own Randy Orton will be around. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest from WWE NXT and its impending move.

Joe Hendry is heading to NXT No Mercy to face WWE NXT Champion Ethan Page after winning a high-stakes triple threat match this week. Hendry emerged victorious over Pete Dunne and Wes Lee to earn the title match at the upcoming NXT PLE.

At ringside, Ethan Page went to great lengths to avoid facing Joe Hendry, including pulling the referee out of the ring when Hendry appeared to have the match won. Later, after Hendry slammed Wes Lee onto the announce table and delivered another Standing Ovation to Pete Dunne, Page actively prevented a second referee from entering the ring.

The match’s finish saw Dunne Hendry with a Bitter End, but Trick Williams ran into the ring and hit a Trick Shot knee on Dunne. Hendry would follow up by getting the pinfall and the title match with Page.

This upcoming match will mark the first time a male TNA-contracted competitor will challenge for a WWE Championship in the main event of a WWE Premium Live Event. Earlier this year, Jordynne Grace (already the TNA Knockouts World Champion) challenged NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez at NXT Battleground.

WWE NXT No Mercy

NXT No Mercy will take place on September 1, 2024, from the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, the day after WWE Bash In Berlin. The show will be the second NXT No Mercy event and the 15th No Mercy show in WWE history. The card as it stands is as follows:

• Ethan Page (c) vs. Joe Hendry (NXT Championship)

• Roxanne Perez (c) vs. Jaida Parker (NXT Women’s Championship)

• Kelani Jordan (c) vs. Wendy Choo (NXT Women’s North American Championship)

• Oba Femi (c) vs. Tony D’Angelo (NXT North American Championship)

• Chase University (Andre Chase and Ridge Holland) (c) vs. Nathan Frazer and Axiom (NXT Tag Team Championship)

Stay tuned to SE Scoops for all the latest on WWE NXT No Mercy.

WWE has filed a new trademark, and it’s for current NXT Champion Ethan Page.

The trademark, “Ethan Page”, was filed by WWE on July 10. You can check out the description of the filing below.

“Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibitions and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer rendered and through broadcast media including television and radio, and via the internet or commercial online service; providing wrestling news and information via a global computer network; providing information in the fields of sports and entertainment via an online community portal; providing a website in the field of sports entertainment information; fan club services, namely, organizing sporting events in the field of wrestling for wrestling fan club members; organizing social entertainment events for entertainment purposes for wrestling fan club members; providing online newsletters in the fields of sports entertainment; online journals, namely blogs, in the field of sports entertainment.” 

Ethan Page in WWE and NXT Championship Win

Ethan Page’s AEW contract had ended earlier this year, and the star set his sights to WWE, where he claimed the NXT Champion shortly after.

Page won the title at NXT Heatwave on July 4, 2024, that took place at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The match for the NXT Championship was a fatal four-way one involving defending champion Trick Williams, Je’Von Evans, and Shawn Spears.

The 34-year-old clinched the victory in the title match when Williams hit the Trick Shot move on Page, who fell on Evans, prompting a pin from the referee. This “accidental way of winning the title” finish was met with some mixed opinion with fans, but it seems like WWE has some more ideas to do with Page with the recent trademark filing.

As for his time in AEW, Page said in an appearance on the Talk’n Shop podcast that he was mind-blown by how organized things are in WWE compared to the promotion he worked at previously.

RELATED: New NXT Champion Ethan Page: “I Knew This Was Going to Happen”

Ethan Page is riding high after capturing the WWE NXT Championship mere weeks into his debut as part of the gold brand.

At WWE NXT Heatwave, Page captured the title in a fatal four-way that included former champion Trick Williams, Je’Von Evans, and fellow AEW alum Shawn Spears. This win comes just 40 days after Page made his debut in WWE NXT, where he attacked Williams and made his goal to become NXT Champion crystal clear.

Ethan Page On His Title Win

Page was understandably pleased with his title win, especially considering what many feel was an underwhelming run in All Elite Wrestling and Ring of Honor. In his first post-match comments, Page spoke of how sure he was that the NXT Title would be his.

“Most people would say it feels amazing, it feels great. But to be honest with you, I mean, I knew this was gonna happen. [Laughs] Six weeks. I walked in the first night, and I attacked who? Oh, that’s right, this bum’s name is still in this belt, and as soon I’m done with this interview, I’m gonna be getting these things changed.”

Page won the title in unusual fashion, as he fell onto Je’Von Evans to get the pinfall. While many would argue this was a lucky break for the Canadian, Page would disagree.

“You’re gonna say I got lucky? I earned everything I have in the last 17 years of my career. Tonight is no different… I’m going to be a fighting champion. I’m going to be the man in NXT, but not to prove it to you, people doubting me, saying things like, ‘Oh, you got lucky.’ No, ‘All Ego’ was born to be champion. Now, I finally have the hardware to prove it.”

What’s to Come?

Page has rapidly reached the top of WWE NXT, but his next challenger may come from outside of the promotion. In the final second of NXT Heatwave, TNA Wrestling’s Joe Hendry was shown. The Scottish wrestler has proven immensely popular and this tease has left many believing that Hendry will have a role in NXT going forward.

Hendry appeared during a May 2024 battle royal for a shot at the NXT title, and both WWE NXT and TNA Wrestling were pleased with his performance on the night. Could the ‘prohibited portal’ see an AEW alum and a TNA star fight for WWE NXT’s richest prize? Only time will tell but right now, the gold brand is all about All-Ego Ethan Page.

Ethan Page has won the NXT Championship and you wouldn’t believe what happened afterward. WWE’s development brand presented the Heatwave special from the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada this Sunday. This was WWE’s third consecutive night at the venue, following WWE SmackDown and WWE Money in the Bank.

The show was filled with many hard-hitting bouts which have become a signature of the brand under Shawn Michaels. Wrestling fans were buzzing on social media over the high spots in the tag title match between Axiom & Nathan Frazer.

However, it was the fatal four-way main event for the NXT Championship that stole the conversation. Trick Williams was defending his title against Ethan Page, Shawn Spears, and Je’Von Evans. The bout delivered everything you’d expect from an NXT main event with Evans proving to be the MVP of the match with many notable bumps.

The ending of the fight saw Page taking his frustration out on Evans for disrupting a pin attempt. Spears pulled Evans down, however, right when Page was about to hit the Ego’s Edge. Trick Williams then joined the action and took out both Shawn Spears and Je’Von Evans with a Trick Shot. He delivered one more to Page. This caused the former AEW star to fall on Evans who was lying in the ring. The referee started counting and he completed the three count before Williams could break the fall. Just like that, the landscape of NXT has been altered dramatically.

Ethan Page Recreates Classic WWE Ending

The finish reminded people of a classic WWE match from Backlash 2007. Notably, the WWE Championship match featuring John Cena, Shawn Michaels, Randy Orton and Edge ended in a similar fashion. Cena had unintentionally pinned Orton to retain the title back then, when he fell on the Viper after taking a Sweet Chin Music from HBK.

Somebody Said Joe Hendry’s Name

The show ended with Page celebrating the win. Just before the show went off air, TNA Wrestling star Joe Hendry made a cameo.

Page’s First Comments as NXT Champion

Backstage after his big win, Ethan Page clarified that his success has nothing to do with luck. He doesn’t even consider himself a lucky man – he’s just that good.

Ethan Page says working for WWE has already been a mind blowing experience a stark contrast to AEW, which he called, “chaotic and unorganized.”

Page recently arrived in NXT after an uneventful stint with All Elite Wrestling. He attacked NXT Champion Trick Williams in his debut appearance. By going straight after the brand’s top champion, he’s effectively invited himself into the main event scene. He lost their showdown at NXT Battleground 2024 on June 9, but All Ego is here to stay.

Comparing AEW & WWE

During an appearance on the Talk’n Shop podcast recorded ‘on location’ at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Page tells hosts Gallows and Anderson that he still cannot believe how professional the WWE ‘machine’ is compared to the last national wrestling promotion he worked at.

“I went from somewhere that was so chaotic and unorganized to a place that, I mean I’m still learning because I’m still so new here, but this is a machine and it’s incredible.”

Page learned firsthand that disorganization negatively affects talent morale. He admits he felt a bit neglected by ‘AEW creative’ and didn’t receive the support he was expecting.

“It feels good to not feel like I have to do everything myself. To have people that want to see me succeed is kind of mind blowing.”

Listen to Page’s appearance on Talk’n Shop here and make sure to check out our new Wrestling Podcasts section for more great shows to listen to.

What Others Have Said

Ethan Page is the latest wrestler to leave AEW and join WWE, but he’s not the first. Cody Rhodes has been nothing but complimentary about the company he helped co-found.

Jade Cargill has provided some unique insights as well, having started her wrestling career under the AEW banner. Cargill said working there prepared her for WWE, but moved on when she’d achieved all of her goals in AEW.

• Cody Rhodes Picks Two AEW Stars To Jump Ship To WWE

WWE NXT Champion Trick Williams is ready to put his title on the line against Ethan Page following the ex-AEW star’s surprise debut last week. 

Page, who parted ways with AEW mere weeks earlier, appeared on the May 28, edition of WWE NXT and attacked Williams in the closing moments of the show. As WWE NXT went off the air, Page hoisted the NXT Championship aloft. Williams also made clear that he had been behind the attacks on Meta-Four, attacks the group had blamed Williams for. 

• More On Ethan Page’s Surprise WWE Debut On 5/28 Episode of NXT

Trick Williams Vs. Ethan Page

Page wants a shot at the NXT Championship and Trick is ready to be a fighting champion. Williams, speaking on The Masked Man Show, expressed his readiness to defend his title against the AEW alum. 

“All you gotta do is [ask.] ‘Hey man, I want a title shot.’ Hey look… let’s make it happen.”

While there’s no word on when such a match will take place, one would have to expect a showdown at the upcoming WWE NXT Battleground. The June 9, event has yet to see Williams booked for a match and it appears WWE have been waiting for Page’s debut. Tonight’s WWE NXT will be the final show before Battleground in the UFC Apex. 

What’s to Come? 

Page’s debut certainly had the wrestling world talking as the AEW alum was trending on Twitter/X for some time after last week’s episode of WWE NXT. The gold brand will no doubt hope to continue that wave of momentum with tonight’s show ahead of Battleground. It will also be interesting to see where Lash Legend falls into things as she and Trick have been increasingly flirty on TV despite Lash’s status with Meta-Four. 

The wrestling business is buzzing after Ethan Page shockingly made his debut on the May 28 episode of WWE NXT. After three years signed to All Elite Wrestling, Page left the company on May 2. ‘All Ego’ seemed interested in testing free agency and is still booked for independent wrestling shows. However, based on his appearance last night and a report from Fightful Select, it’s believed that he has signed up with WWE. 

Page dramatically ended the recent WWE NXT episode by assaulting world champion Trick Williams. It’s also worth noting that his attack from behind on Williams led to the champion clashing heads with Lash Legend. 

Page revealed he was responsible for attacks on Noam Dar and Oro Mensah backstage. Afterward, he delivered a running knee to Williams in the corner and posed with the NXT Championship as the show went off. 

pic.twitter.com/XEdS4moa1v

— “All Ego” Ethan Page (@OfficialEGO) May 29, 2024

Ethan Page Denies Being Signed TO WWE

It seems WWE is leading to a potential match with Williams as soon as NXT Battleground on June 9. However, Page has spoken out in a video on X, claiming he isn’t signed to WWE. He touted the media attention that the company received over his shocking debut and how this gave him leverage for a deal. Page also called on the company and NXT champion to reach out if they want a deal done. 

“…Contrary to popular belief, Ethan Page is not signed to any company or any contract, and I’m going to just assume that Trick Williams would love to get a little payback and revenge on Ethan Pag, so NXT, I’m going to leave this to you,” said Page.

He ended the video by saying that the ball was in WWE’s court to get a deal done. 

What’s Next For Page? 

Although Page has downplayed being signed with WWE, this seems to be part of his storyline with the company. He is advertised for a match against Shelton Benjamin for  Prestige Wrestling on July 12. Despite still being promoted for an independent wrestling event, WWE could allow him to finish the dates he’s committed to working. 

The next storyline development should come on the June 5 episode of WWE NXT. Williams will likely address his attack and want revenge on Page. It’s unclear if the company plans to have them compete at NXT Battleground, but it will make fans interested to tune in on next week’s episode. 

Ethan Page was one of the two big surprises during WWE NXT this Tuesday and by that surprise appearance its safe to assume that “All Ego” is now in the WWE pro wrestling universe.

Fightful Select has a new report on Page’s status. While it’s unknown if Ethan Page’s contract with AEW expired or he was just released but he told names in the industry that he was hoping to be a free agent by this timeframe.

In the same realm, Page had a desire to float under the radar until “he appeared somewhere else.” Mission accomplished as Page shocked that Capitol Wrestling Center on Tuesday night, revealing himself to be the attacker of Noam Dar and Ora Mensa before he ambushed NXT Champion Trick Williams.

• Ethan Page & Jordynne Grace Hid In Former WWE Star’s Garage Ahead of Surprise NXT Appearances

According to Fightful, Page’s deal with WWE was finalized over the course of last week and had a secret meeting go down at the WWE Performance Center. Sources within the company are reportedly pleased and excited about Page’s debut.

Ethan Page wasn’t the only former TNA talent to shock the wrestling world on Tuesday night. TNA Knockout Champion Jordynne Grace showed up as the surprise opponent for NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez at the upcoming NXT Battleground.

Page, who has been the sole proprietor of Alpha-1 Wrestling, also joins former AEW star Shawn Spears as a name to join the NXT ranks in 2024. Page was one of the several under-utilized talents in All Elite Wrestling and greatly remained off programming as of recent.

Former WWE star Cezar Bononi played a pivotal role in TNA Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace and former AEW star Ethan Page’s shocking appearances on last night’s edition of NXT. 

Bononi, who has had runs with WWE and AEW in the past, revealed that he knew about the surprise appearances and even “hid” Grace and Page in his garage. 

Taking to his X account, Bononi posted a photo in which he could be seen posing with Jordynne Grace and Ethan Page. He said they had a closed garage workout and had to “hide, tame, and feed” the two beasts ahead of their appearances.

“Closed garage workout this morning, I had to hide, tame and feed two beasts…”

Closed garage workout this morning, I had to hide, tame and feed two beasts… pic.twitter.com/EQw2uOuxTS

— Cezar Bononi (@CezarBononi_) May 29, 2024

Jordynne Grace and Ethan Page make impactful NXT appearances 

NXT General Manager Ava stunned the fans when she announced Grace would challenge Roxanne Perez for the NXT Women’s Championship at NXT Battleground next month. This marked Grace’s second appearance for WWE as she shockingly competed in the 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble match. 

• Jordynne Grace Was On Shawn Michaels’ Radar Before The Royal Rumble

On the other hand, Page made his debut on WWE’s developmental brand in the final moments of the show. He launched a blindsided attack on NXT Champion Trick Williams to send a statement. Williams was accused of attacking Meta Four members Noam Dar and Oro Mensah. However, ‘All Ego’ made it clear with his actions that he was the attacker. The show concluded with Page standing tall and holding up the NXT title, 

It has also come to light that Page inked a deal with WWE after attending WWE Performance Center. Meanwhile, Jordynne Grace’s appearance yet again proves that WWE are eager to walk through the ‘Forbidden Door’ and more crossover matches could be expected down the road.

IT'S JORDYNNE GRACE!!!@JordynneGrace will be @roxanne_wwe's opponent at #NXTBattleground 🤯#WWENXT pic.twitter.com/vFzvsyyTCu

— WWE (@WWE) May 29, 2024

OH. MY. GOD. @OfficialEGO just took out @_trickwilliams 🤯#WWENXT pic.twitter.com/KcI1bRKc5J

— WWE (@WWE) May 29, 2024

Fans can expect to see much more of Ethan Page in WWE following his shocking debut on the May 28, edition of WWE NXT. 

Page appeared in the closing moments of the show to attack  Trick Williams. The reigning WWE NXT Champion had been accused of attacking Meta Four’s Noam Dar and Oro Mensah but Page made clear he was the one behind these attacks. WWE NXT went off the air with Page holding aloft the NXT Championship, making it clear he wants a shot at the gold. 

• Ethan Page Makes WWE NXT Debut Weeks After AEW Departure

Latest On Ethan Page

Page has signed a contract with WWE, PW Insider reports, after attending the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida last week. Page’s arrival at the PC was “under the cover of extreme darkness” and a contract between the two parties was signed within the past few days. 

Page had been with All Elite Wrestling and Ring of Honor until earlier this month. The details surrounding his exit remain unclear though he was removed from the company’s roster page ahead of his exit. At the time, it was said that his departure from AEW was a “formality” as it was clear he would be leaving. On WWE NXT, Vic Joseph made reference to Page’s ‘All-Elite past’ by asking “Wasn’t he in AE–” but was cut off before he could deliver the final letter. 

OH. MY. GOD. @OfficialEGO just took out @_trickwilliams 🤯#WWENXT pic.twitter.com/KcI1bRKc5J

— WWE (@WWE) May 29, 2024

Page joined AEW in 2021 at that year’s Revolution pay-per-view and he joined Ring of Honor in late 2023. His final match under Tony Khan came at the February 10, 2024, taping of ROH TV where he defeated Anthony Henry. Now, Page will have an opportunity to prove himself as part of WWE and NXT. 

Ethan Page is now an NXT Superstar, and he made a very impactful debut during the May 28 edition of the show.  This all built around a mystery attacker storyline. 

OH. MY. GOD. @OfficialEGO just took out @_trickwilliams 🤯#WWENXT pic.twitter.com/KcI1bRKc5J

— WWE (@WWE) May 29, 2024

Noam Dar and Ora Mensa were previously attacked backstage, and the identity of their assailant was unknown until Ethan Page revealed himself as the attacker. During the closing moments of NXT this week, Lash Legend approached NXT Champion Trick Williams to ask if he was responsible for the attacks on Ora and Noam. Williams denied any involvement.

Suddenly, the lights went out, and when they came back on, Williams was being attacked. The announce team couldn’t identify the attacker at first, but it soon became clear that it was Ethan Page.

Watch Ethan Page’s NXT Debut:

Page took the microphone, claimed responsibility for the attacks on Dar and Mensa, and then continued to attack Williams. He posed with the NXT Title, doing his signature cheek dimple pose.

Afterwards, he added insult to injury by trash talking Trick Williams online. Page has made a startling impact upon his arrival in NXT by taking out the brand’s champion. Williams is not one to let something like this go unanswered and we should hear back from him as soon as next week’s show. 

I guess I whooped that Trick

— “All Ego” Ethan Page (@OfficialEGO) May 29, 2024

All Ego’s AEW Exit

Ethan Page recently left AEW, making his arrival in NXT a surprise. This came at the end of a night already filled with excitement due to TNA Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace’s unexpected appearance to challenge Roxanne Perez for the NXT Women’s Title at Battleground.

Page signed with AEW in 2021, but he was moved to the ROH brand in 2022 after a few angles that never elevated him. He had not appeared on the show for several months prior to his May 2024 exit. During this absence, he increased his activities in independent wrestling and resumed promoting his Alpha-1 Wrestling events. His removal from the AEW roster page was officially noted on May 2, confirming his exit shortly thereafter. Page had expressed a desire to leave AEW as early as February, indicating his intent to move on.

When Page left Impact Wrestling, where he was a decorated member of The North tag team, WWE reportedly had interest in him for NXT. However, he decided to take Tony Khan up on his offer. Now the 34-year-old Canadian pro wrestler is finally in WWE.