Ethan Page, the former NXT World Champion, recently revealed how close he came to walking away from wrestling following his high-profile loss to Trick Williams in late 2024. The match, which marked NXT’s debut on The CW Network, saw Page drop the title in a hard-fought battle officiated by none other than CM Punk, who made a rare appearance in the black-and-gold brand.
Page, now 35, opened up about the emotional toll his career has taken on him during a recent episode of the “Busted Open After Dark” podcast, explaining that his post-match promo, which many thought sounded like a retirement speech, wasn’t far from the truth.
Ethan Page’s Emotional Promo
In December, shortly after his championship loss, Page delivered a heartfelt promo on NXT that seemed to signal his impending departure from wrestling. However, the moment took a sharp turn when he attacked Je’Von Evans, a rising NXT star, after Evans intervened and convinced Page to reconsider quitting.
The promo’s raw emotion reflected Page’s real-life struggles:
“I’m 35 years old; I have two children and a wife. I gave up my entire life to bring them here, move to Orlando, uprooted from our dream home in Michigan. I’ve been spending as much money to keep my family happy while we’re here, and all I’ve been doing since losing the championship is letting them down.”
Page’s comments underscore the sacrifices he’s made for his career, including uprooting his family to move to Orlando and committing fully to his role in WWE.
The Pressure of Being Champion
Ethan Page’s run as NXT World Champion was one of the most significant chapters in his career, solidifying his place as a top-tier performer in WWE. His feud with Trick Williams was one of the most talked-about storylines in NXT’s history, culminating in their highly anticipated match during the brand’s debut on The CW Network.
However, losing the championship appears to have weighed heavily on Page, as he struggled to reconcile his personal sacrifices with his perceived shortcomings in the ring.
Turning Point: Je’Von Evans Feud
Page’s attack on Je’Von Evans in December not only reignited his career but also signaled a new chapter for his character. The storyline, which blurs the line between reality and fiction, has reinvigorated Page’s role in NXT:
- Evans as the Catalyst: Je’Von Evans played a pivotal role in Page’s decision to stay in the business, convincing him during the emotional promo to keep fighting.
- Bitter Veteran vs. Rising Star: The feud between Page and Evans has been fueled by Page’s bitterness and jealousy, as he sees Evans as a reminder of his younger, hungrier self.
Ethan Page’s Candid Reflection
On Busted Open After Dark, Page admitted that his emotional promo was “close to the truth,” shedding light on the immense pressure he feels to balance his personal life and professional career.
“I’ve given everything I have to this business. Some days, I wonder if it’s enough. But if I leave now, what kind of example would I set for my kids? I want them to see that even when you fall, you get back up.”
H/T to Wrestling Inc for the transcription
