Former AEW and Impact Wrestling star Ethan Page made waves with his unexpected debut on WWE NXT last week. His surprise attack on WWE NXT Champion Trick Williams and the revelation that he was behind the attacks on Meta-Four earlier in May set the stage for a dramatic twist in NXT’s storyline. However, this wasn’t the initial plan. According to a recent report on “Wrestling Observer Radio,” the original scenario had a different challenger lined up for Williams.
“Noam was originally going to [challenge Williams at Battleground] and he’s out,” Dave Meltzer reported. “They needed a new opponent for Trick. … Trick and Noam Dar was the scheduled main event for that Battleground.”
The unexpected change in plans left many wondering about the reasons behind Dar’s sudden absence from the title match. Meltzer speculated that Dar might be injured, leading to his removal from the storyline. This is further supported by Dar being written off TV, which typically hints at an injury in the wrestling world. However, Meltzer also mentioned the possibility that Dar was pulled to make room for Page’s debut, especially since Page had recently become available.
Ethan Page’s debut on NXT came just under a month after his AEW contract expired. His last match in AEW was a high-stakes battle against Kenny Omega on “AEW Collision” in December, a match that took on added significance as Omega’s final bout before his diagnosis with diverticulitis, an illness that has kept Omega out of action since.
Despite reports suggesting otherwise, Page has denied signing a contract with WWE, fueling speculation and excitement among fans. In a bid to further the storyline with Williams, Page stated that he’s waiting for a call from “NXT” officials to set up a match, promising Williams a shot at revenge. All signs point to this highly anticipated clash taking place at Battleground, scheduled for this Sunday, June 9. Notably, Battleground will be the first WWE event to be held at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, adding an extra layer of excitement to the occasion.
Stephen’s Value:
The sudden shift in WWE NXT Battleground’s main event lineup is a testament to the dynamic and unpredictable nature of professional wrestling. Ethan Page’s unexpected debut and the reconfiguration of the championship storyline underscore the industry’s capacity for rapid change and adaptation. Page’s transition from AEW to WWE NXT not only adds a fresh twist to the narrative but also highlights the fluid movement of talent across promotions, keeping fans on their toes.
The decision to pull Noam Dar from the title match, potentially due to injury, and slot Ethan Page into the spotlight, speaks volumes about the behind-the-scenes maneuvering that shapes the wrestling world. This move illustrates how WWE remains flexible and responsive to both talent availability and the necessity to maintain compelling storylines.
Ethan Page’s involvement brings a new level of intrigue and excitement to the NXT scene. His established reputation and storyline integration promise to deliver high-stakes drama and athletic prowess, keeping audiences engaged and eager for what comes next.
