Much like the viewers at home, WWE NXT commentator Booker T was genuinely surprised by the appearances of TNA Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace and former AEW star Ethan Page on this week’s episode of NXT. On a recent episode of “The Hall of Fame” podcast, Booker noted that the arrival of Page was particularly shocking, given the uncertainty surrounding his reported exit from All Elite Wrestling.
“It caught me off guard,” Booker said. “I’m sitting at the table, and the next thing you know, Ethan Page hit the ring. His face appears, and we see who it is. I’m gonna tell you right now, I didn’t know Ethan Page was going to be there until it actually happened. That’s what was really cool about it. We were talking about it, [there were] no leaks or anything like that. I didn’t even know Ethan Page was available. I thought he still worked for AEW… It was actually something that I haven’t seen in wrestling in a long time, as far as the boys being surprised, like ‘What the hell’s going on here?’ So that was a great moment.”
In an effort to keep Page’s NXT debut a true secret, NXT booker Shawn Michaels reportedly stood in for Page during rehearsals for the respective segment. Furthermore, backstage access was scaled down while Page, along with Grace, hid in the building. Earlier that day, Page and Grace notably participated in a workout session, hosted in a closed garage, with fellow wrestler Cezar Bononi. Following his appearance on NXT, reports indicated that Page had inked a deal with WWE. Page, however, has since denied those reports.
The Arrival of Ethan Page
Ethan Page’s surprise appearance on WWE NXT was an exciting and unexpected moment for both fans and fellow wrestlers. The mystery shrouding his first appearance increased the shock, with even the most devoted wrestling experts being kept unaware. Page’s unexpected appearance in the NXT ring showcased WWE’s talent for delivering authentic shocks during a time when there is an abundance of leaks and spoilers.
Page’s path to WWE has sparked many conversations within the wrestling community. Page, acclaimed for his charm and wrestling abilities, made a notable impression in AEW prior to his contract being questioned. His surprise appearance on NXT has sparked speculation about what lies ahead for him and possible plot developments in WWE.
Booker T ‘Caught Off Guard’ by Ethan Page’s Surprise WWE NXT Appearance (via Chase Morgan) https://t.co/4zyqKf4b8D #WWE #AEW #WWENews #AEWNews pic.twitter.com/3TkIyJpIk9
— Pro Wrestling News Hub (@PWNewsHub) May 31, 2024
The impact of Jordynne Grace
Jordynne Grace’s presence on NXT sparked a lot of attention as well. Known as a standout in TNA/Impact Wrestling, Grace has established herself as one of the premier female wrestlers in the business. Her debut on NXT hints at a possible collaboration between different wrestling organizations, resulting in fresh and thrilling opportunities for match-ups and narratives.
Grace’s impressive wrestling skills and compelling personality make her a valuable asset to any lineup. Her appearance on NXT suggests that WWE is interested in expanding the variety of its talent and discovering fresh opportunities for women’s wrestling. Fans are excited to see how Grace will become part of NXT’s ever-changing scenery and which opponents she may encounter in upcoming matches.
The Secrecy Behind the Debut
Keeping Page and Grace’s debuts a secret in the wrestling industry is difficult, yet WWE successfully managed to achieve this. Shawn Michaels‘ participation in practice sessions and limited access to the backstage area were key factors in maintaining the element of surprise. This high level of confidentiality brings to mind the time when wrestling companies could surprise fans with unexpected comebacks and plot twists.
Keeping Page and Grace hidden until their debut added an extra layer of authenticity and anticipation to their arrivals. Both fans and wrestlers got to enjoy genuine shock, something that is becoming less common in today’s wrestling world. This strategy shows WWE’s dedication to providing unforgettable moments and maintaining the audience’s interest.
Booker T’s Reaction
Booker T’s response to Ethan Page’s first appearance showcases the importance of real shocks in wrestling. Booker T, an experienced veteran with decades of experience, has witnessed numerous debuts and plot twists throughout his career. His honest reply highlights the success of WWE’s strategy to maintain the surprise of the debut and generate a genuinely surprising moment.
Booker T praised the way the debut was handled on “The Hall of Fame” podcast. He commended the absence of leaks and the element of surprise, pointing out that it brought a level of thrill similar to wrestling’s early era. Booker’s response strikes a chord with enthusiasts seeking the unpredictability that used to characterize professional wrestling.
The potential future of Ethan Page in WWE
After his first appearance on NXT, there is much discussion about what lies ahead for Ethan Page in WWE. Even though there were reports indicating that Page had agreed to a contract with WWE, the wrestler has personally refuted these allegations. This uncertainty adds an interesting element to his plot and keeps fans guessing about his future actions.
The potential that Page has in WWE is immense due to her versatility and charisma. Page has the chance to have a big effect, either staying on NXT or moving to other WWE brands. His skill in engaging audiences and giving impactful performances will be essential in solidifying his position in WWE.
Jordynne Grace’s Prospects
Jordynne Grace’s prospects in WWE are equally exciting. As a standout performer in Impact Wrestling, Grace brings a wealth of experience and a strong fan following to NXT. Her addition to the roster could lead to dream matches and new rivalries that elevate the women’s division.
Grace’s presence also signifies WWE’s commitment to enhancing its women’s division by incorporating talent from various promotions. This approach not only broadens the scope of WWE’s storytelling but also showcases the diverse skill sets of female wrestlers. Grace’s potential matchups with NXT’s top talents promise to deliver high-quality wrestling and captivating narratives.
The Future of NXT
The sudden introductions of Ethan Page and Jordynne Grace show how NXT is changing. NXT, WWE’s developmental brand, is known for featuring up-and-coming talent and pushing the limits of professional wrestling. Adding well-known stars like Page and Grace improves the attractiveness of the brand and paves the way for creative plots.
NXT’s dynamic environment allows for a mix of new talent and experienced performers, leading to exciting possibilities. This element of unpredictability is crucial for keeping fans engaged and ensuring that every episode offers captivating material. The ongoing inclusion of talent from other promotions is expected to be highly influential in NXT’s future achievements.
Responses from fans
The response from the wrestling community to Ethan Page and Jordynne Grace’s first appearances has been extremely favorable. Supporters have turned to online platforms to show their enthusiasm and eagerness for the future events. The element of unexpectedness has revived interest in NXT and ignited conversations about possible storylines and matches.
Fan engagement is extremely important for WWE, and instances like this show how the company can captivate the audience’s thoughts. The favorable reaction to Page and Grace’s performances highlights the significance of secrecy and providing authentic surprises. With WWE’s ongoing development, it is expected that the company will capitalize on this momentum to generate additional memorable moments.
The surprising arrivals of Ethan Page and Jordynne Grace on WWE NXT have breathed new life into the brand and sparked excitement among wrestling fans. WWE’s dedication to keeping things secret and delivering real surprises has been successful, creating unforgettable moments that connect with both fans and wrestlers. As Page and Grace start their WWE careers, they are expected to infuse NXT with new energy and excitement. The wrestling community will closely monitor the development of storylines and anticipate their influence on WWE’s future.