NXT North American Champion Ethan Page is embracing his role as one of the brand’s top heels, a run so successful that he has little interest in portraying a “good guy” unless a specific condition is met: the money is right.
Page’s current success as a villain is undeniable. Since his debut in May 2024, he has captured both the NXT Championship, which he dubbed the “Era of Ego,” and his current North American Championship. Speaking on the Insight podcast with Chris Van Vliet, Page discussed the idea of a potential character change.
“That’s an interesting question. It would take a lot in me to be nice to strangers,” Page said. “At this stage in my career, with the amount of things that I feel like fans expect from me, I don’t know if I would ever like to be nice back.”
The champion was blunt about what it would take to alter his perspective, dismissing any notion that creative fulfillment would be the primary driver. For Page, the decision would be purely financial.
“Maybe you’re the right amount of money. I mean, listen, people could lie to you in their interviews and say it’s about other things, but it’s not. [It’s] Always about the money, 100%,” he stated.
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While admitting he is capable of being a nice person, Page feels the timing is wrong, given the momentum of his current persona. He credits a key figure in NXT for helping him refine his antagonistic character, noting he has been able to fully utilize his potential under the guidance of Shawn Michaels.
With his heel character firmly established, Page’s focus remains on his title reign and his rivalries. After a recent successful title defense, he was confronted by the returning former champion, Ricky Saints, reigniting a feud and ensuring that the “Era of Ego” is set to continue for the foreseeable future.
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