Surprising WWE Debut: Ethan Page’s Move from AEW Signals Industry Shifts

Ethan Page, former AEW star, made a surprising debut on WWE’s NXT this week.

According to Fightful Select, Page signed with WWE after leaving AEW, but it’s unclear if he was released or if his contract simply expired.

Page had expressed a desire to become a free agent by late spring, wanting to keep his AEW departure under wraps until he was ready to appear elsewhere.

This discretion was not necessarily aimed at keeping his WWE move secret, but it did contribute to the surprise element of his NXT debut.

Behind-the-Scenes at WWE Performance Center

Before finalizing his WWE deal, Page had a confidential visit to the WWE Performance Center.

This visit occurred in the week leading up to his debut, and WWE officials were reportedly pleased with his performance.

Sources from WWE’s main roster have also reached out to express their excitement about Page joining the company.

Page’s AEW Departure

Page’s exit from AEW was subtle but noticeable. His profile was removed from AEW’s roster page at the beginning of May, signaling his departure.

He had joined AEW in 2021 and spent his final days there under Tony Khan’s promotional umbrella with ROH, making his last appearance on February 10.

Previous Contacts with WWE

Interestingly, Page had been in contact with WWE even before his debut with AEW.

He had positive conversations with WWE officials but had already committed to joining AEW at that time. His recent move to WWE indicates a long-standing interest in aligning with the company.

Broader AEW Departures

Page is not the only high-profile departure from AEW recently. Arn Anderson and Mark Henry have also confirmed their exits, and Jake Hager’s AEW contract has reportedly expired.

These departures hint at a period of transition and reshuffling within AEW.

Ethan Page’s move to WWE is a significant development in the wrestling world, reflecting broader changes and movements within the industry.

Fans and insiders alike will be watching closely to see how Page’s career progresses in WWE.