WWE Hall of Famer Booker T has delivered glowing praise for Ethan Page, describing the NXT standout as exactly what the brand needed following the departure of several major talents to the main roster. During an appearance on his Hall of Fame Podcast, Booker T emphasized that Page represents a significant acquisition for WWE, one that has fundamentally strengthened NXT’s championship picture and overall talent roster.[1][2]
The Void That Needed Filling
When WWE NXT experienced roster turnover with the departure of established names like Ilja Dragunov and Carmelo Hayes to higher developmental positions or main roster opportunities, questions emerged about the brand’s ability to maintain its competitive edge. Enter Ethan Page, who has systematically answered those concerns since his arrival in May 2024.[1] The Canadian wrestler has not merely filled the gap left by departing talent—he has redefined expectations about what NXT’s newest acquisitions could accomplish.
Booker T articulated this sentiment clearly, noting that Page stepped into a critical role during a transitional period for the brand. “I said it was a great pickup. I said Ethan Page was one of the best pickups NXT could have gotten, just because we had lost a lot of good talent,” Booker T explained on his podcast.[1] This assessment carries particular weight coming from a wrestling legend who has observed multiple generations of talent development.
A Complete Package in the Ring and Beyond
What distinguishes Page’s success isn’t limited to his in-ring ability, though Booker T emphasized that dimension extensively. According to Booker T, Page’s versatility and professionalism extend across every facet of professional wrestling performance.[1] The WWE Hall of Famer specifically highlighted Page’s character work, promo delivery, and overall believability as a performer.
“He can perform at a very, very high level, he’s very believable, his schtick is very well, his acting is really, really good,” Booker T stated, underscoring the multifaceted nature of Page’s appeal.[1] In an era where professional wrestling demands performers who can transition seamlessly between in-ring storytelling and character-driven narratives, Page has demonstrated mastery in both domains.
Booker T’s assessment goes further, suggesting that Page represents a rare talent who successfully checks virtually every box expected of a main event-caliber performer. “He literally checks off just about every box, Ethan Page does,” the wrestling legend concluded.[1] This blanket endorsement suggests that Page possesses the rare combination of athletic ability, charisma, technical skill, and professional maturity necessary for sustained success at wrestling’s highest levels.
From NXT to Main Roster Readiness
Since arriving at NXT in May 2024, Page has ascended through the developmental brand’s hierarchy with remarkable speed. He has captured both the NXT Championship and the NXT North American Championship, establishing himself as a dominant force within the brand.[1] These championship reigns represent more than just accolades; they signal WWE’s confidence in Page as a centerpiece performer capable of carrying television programming.
The significance of Booker T’s commentary becomes apparent when contextualized against WWE’s traditional developmental model. NXT serves as the testing ground where performers demonstrate whether they possess the complete package necessary for main roster prominence. Page’s rapid ascent and championship success suggest he has already passed those tests with distinction.
Industry observers have noted that Page’s trajectory resembles that of other former AEW talents who have successfully transitioned into WWE’s ecosystem. According to sources close to WWE’s talent relations department, Page’s work ethic and adaptability have impressed backstage personnel throughout the organization, with multiple veterans crediting him for elevating match quality during NXT television tapings and live events.
The Chelsea Green Connection
Beyond individual accomplishment, Page’s pairing with fellow performer Chelsea Green has created compelling television moments that underscore his ability to work as part of an ensemble act. Booker T acknowledged this chemistry, noting that their collaboration brings entertainment value to NXT programming.[6] This versatility—the capacity to work effectively both as a solo act and as part of a tag team or mixed team dynamic—further validates the claim that Page checks every box.
SEO Keywords & Industry Implications
The professional wrestling landscape has increasingly focused on evaluating talent based on their complete arsenal: wrestling ability, microphone skills, character consistency, and audience connection. Ethan Page’s emergence as a standout NXT performer during 2024 and 2025 reflects WWE’s broader commitment to developing homegrown talent capable of competing at the main roster level.
For wrestling fans and industry analysts tracking NXT’s evolution, Page’s success story carries significant implications. His ability to fill vacancies created by departing talent demonstrates that WWE’s recruitment and development strategies remain effective. Furthermore, Booker T’s endorsement—coming from someone with legitimate expertise in identifying main event talent—suggests that Page represents a long-term investment rather than a short-term acquisition.
Looking Ahead
As Ethan Page continues his ascent through WWE’s organizational structure, questions naturally arise regarding his timeline for main roster elevation. While Booker T stopped short of explicitly predicting when that transition might occur, his comprehensive praise suggests it represents less a question of if and more a question of when.[4] The wrestling community anticipates seeing what Page accomplishes when given the opportunity to compete at wrestling’s highest level.
For NXT devotees who have watched Page’s journey since May 2024, the Hall of Famer’s assessment vindicates their assessment of a genuinely exceptional performer. Ethan Page has proven that he is, indeed, the real deal—and the professional wrestling industry is taking notice.