Ethan Page Reflects on Retirement After WWE NXT Championship Loss
Ethan Page, the former NXT World Champion, recently revealed how close he was to leaving the wrestling world behind after his devastating title loss in late 2024. His emotional journey has captivated fans, shedding light on the pressures behind the scenes in professional wrestling.
Page lost the NXT World Championship to Trick Williams during WWE NXT’s debut on The CW Network, with the match officiated by CM Punk. Following this loss, Page delivered a heartfelt promo in December, which many interpreted as a retirement announcement. However, the segment took a shocking turn when Page attacked Je’Von Evans, who had attempted to dissuade him from quitting.
A Struggle Beyond the Ring
In an interview on the “Busted Open After Dark” podcast, Page admitted that his promo reflected his real-life struggles. “I’m 35 years old, with two children and a wife,” he explained. “I gave up everything to move my family to Orlando, leaving behind our dream home in Michigan. Since losing the championship, I feel like all I’ve done is let them down.”
Page highlighted the financial and emotional strain of uprooting his family for his wrestling career. The weight of these challenges led him to consider stepping away from the ring altogether.
A Clash of Emotions
Despite his internal battles, Page’s reaction to Je’Von Evans marked a pivotal moment. “When this 20-year-old kid came out to give me life advice, I hadn’t smiled in weeks. Breaking his jaw? That was the biggest smile I’ve had,” Page confessed, hinting at the anger and frustration that fueled his actions.
The Road Ahead
While Page contemplated a new career path, even discussing the possibility of becoming a coach with Shawn Michaels, he now claims to have embraced a dangerous new mindset. “I no longer care about my trajectory in wrestling,” he stated, suggesting a shift that could make him an even more formidable force in WWE NXT.
What’s Next for Ethan Page?
As Page navigates his career crossroads, fans are left wondering how his renewed intensity will shape his future in professional wrestling. Will he find redemption in the ring, or will his struggles lead him down an entirely new path?
