At WWE NXT No Mercy 2025, Ethan Page successfully defended his NXT North American Championship, solidifying his reign as one of the brand’s top competitors. After a hard-fought battle, Page maintained his title, only to be immediately confronted with a high-profile challenge from Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (AAA), signaling a thrilling new chapter for his championship run.
Ethan Page’s Dominance Continues in NXT
Ethan Page, known for his charismatic “All Ego” persona, has quickly become a defining presence on NXT. His reign as North American Champion has been marked by his exceptional in-ring skills and confident, unapologetic character work. At No Mercy, Page faced Tavion Heights in a match that highlighted both competitors’ athleticism and determination. Despite a stiff challenge, Page’s experience and ring IQ secured him the win, enabling him to retain the North American title successfully.
Page’s rise in WWE has been nothing short of meteoric. After bursting onto the scene with an explosive debut that involved targeting big names like Noam Dar and even the NXT Champion Trick Williams, Page made a statement by winning the NXT Championship early in his WWE career. Soon after, he dethroned Ricky Saints to claim the North American title, which he famously declared even more prestigious than the NXT Championship itself.
According to a WWE insider, “Ethan’s commitment to making the North American Championship a centerpiece of NXT’s mid-card is clear. He plays the ego-driven heel to perfection, and his mic skills combined with his wrestling make him a natural to elevate this title.”
AAA’s Challenge: A Cross-Promotional Spark
The post-match celebration was cut short when El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr., a top star from AAA, appeared on the NXT stage to issue a personal challenge to Page for the North American Championship[2][4]. This promotion from Mexico’s premier wrestling organization not only adds international prestige to the title but hints at exciting cross-promotional storytelling between WWE and AAA.
This challenge is significant because it marks a rare instance of AAA directly staking a claim on a WWE NXT championship. Industry insiders suggest the potential for collaborative matches or special appearances that could draw fans from both promotions, expanding the global footprint of NXT.
A source close to WWE creative noted, “The AAA challenge to Ethan Page is more than a storyline it’s a strategic move. WWE recognizes the value of Lucha Libre and wants to capitalize on it by putting the North American Title on a global platform. Ethan embodies the confidence and edge needed to represent NXT in any cross-brand encounter.”
Ethan Page’s Unique Championship Vision
Ethan Page’s approach to his title reign is anything but ordinary. He sees the North American Championship not merely as a stepping stone but as a premier accolade within the NXT ecosystem. His confidence shines through his promos, as he frequently emphasizes how this belt symbolizes his self-proclaimed status as the “most entertaining Superstar” in NXT.
Physically imposing at 6’2″ and 225 pounds, Page combines his strength and martial arts background with a psychological edge, making him a difficult opponent for anyone vying for his title. His dynamic blend of showmanship and athleticism keeps audiences invested in his matches and promos alike.
What This Means for NXT and WWE’s Future
Ethan Page’s retained victory and AAA’s challenge inject fresh energy into NXT’s championship scene. WWE has been looking to diversify its talent exchange and storytelling avenues, and this move aligns with those ambitions. Fans can expect:
- Potential special appearances from AAA stars in NXT programming.
- An international spotlight on the NXT North American Championship.
- A new high-stakes rivalry between Page and AAA’s top luchadores, blending styles and fanbases.
Such developments are in line with WWE’s recent efforts to embrace global wrestling cultures, adding depth and variety to NXT programming while capitalizing on worldwide wrestling trends.
Fan and Insider Reactions
The wrestling community has responded enthusiastically to the AAA challenge. Fans on social media praised WWE’s willingness to mix brands and hinted that this could lead to must-see matchups. Wrestling journalists have also noted that Page’s ability to hold both the belt and the narrative spotlight makes him the perfect candidate to carry this story forward.
As one industry veteran put it, “Page has all the tools the charisma, the skill, and the edge to make this cross-promotional storyline a bona fide hit. It’s a win-win for NXT, AAA, and wrestling fans worldwide.”
Looking Ahead: What to Expect Next
Ethan Page is slated to confront El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr. in the near future, with speculation about whether the challenger will appear on WWE programming or if the battle will take place at a joint event. Given WWE’s history with surprise appearances and event tie-ins, fans should stay tuned for announcements.
Moreover, Page’s continued reign means the North American Championship itself is gaining prestige and visibility, showcasing NXT’s growing influence as a global wrestling brand.