When NXT North American Champion Ethan Page shared the screen with The Rock during the January 7 episode of WWE NXT, wrestling fans witnessed what appeared to be a brief backstage encounter. However, the moment held far deeper significance for Page, who seized the opportunity to have a career-defining conversation with his childhood hero.
The Dream Meeting That Almost Didn’t Happen
During a recent appearance on Insight With Chris Van Vliet, Page pulled back the curtain on his surreal experience working alongside The Final Boss. The veteran wrestler didn’t mince words about the magnitude of the moment.
What started as a scripted segment transformed into something much more meaningful when Page approached The Rock privately. The NXT star emphasized how unlikely the entire scenario seemed, calling it “pretty crazy” considering all the factors that had to align perfectly.
“To me, doing anything with him was always the dream. I was very fortunate enough to be given the chance to pull him to the side and tell him what it meant to see something that I created on my own and envisioned my whole life would be on screen with my favorites.”
The Rock’s Game-Changing Advice
What happened next would fundamentally alter Page’s approach to his craft. The People’s Champion didn’t just offer pleasantries – he delivered advice that unleashed a different side of the NXT champion.
According to Page, The Rock essentially gave him permission to stop holding back, advice that has transformed his in-ring persona. The impact was immediate and, by Page’s own admission, dangerous for his opponents.
“He gave me great advice, and he’s turned me into an absolute menace. Because, I mean, when the person you look up to the most, pretty much tells you to not hold back. Yeah, you ain’t gonna hold back. I’m sorry Ricky Saints about your throat.”
Learning From The Master of Charisma
Page specifically highlighted three key elements he’s absorbed from The Rock’s legendary presence: confidence, energy, and charisma. These aren’t just abstract concepts for Page – they’ve become his blueprint for connecting with audiences.
The NXT star particularly admires The Rock’s fearless approach to entertainment, noting how the Hollywood megastar remains “completely comfortable” pushing boundaries while maintaining that perfect balance of charisma.
“Mostly, I would say just in the confidence to say and do whatever you feel like out there, like on a microphone or in front of an audience. He’s someone that’s completely comfortable in doing some ridiculous things, or what he finds entertaining, or what he finds funny.”
Beyond The Rock: Other WWE Legend Encounters
Page’s star-studded conversations haven’t stopped with The Final Boss. The NXT champion revealed he’s also had multiple interactions with The Undertaker, though he remained characteristically tight-lipped about the specifics.
According to Page, The Deadman has complimented his work on several occasions. However, the wrestler showed respect for the Hall of Famer’s privacy by keeping those conversations largely confidential.
From Prank Call to Championship Gold
Adding another layer to his incredible WWE journey, Page shared the amusing story of how he initially thought his WWE contract offer was an elaborate prank. The disbelief speaks to how dramatically his career has evolved since joining the company.
Now holding the NXT North American Championship, Page has clearly made the most of his opportunities. His willingness to learn from legends like The Rock and The Undertaker demonstrates the mindset that’s propelled him to championship success.
With The Rock’s “don’t hold back” philosophy now ingrained in his approach, Page seems poised to continue his upward trajectory in WWE. The question remains: which NXT superstar will be the next to feel the impact of this newly unleashed “absolute menace” that The People’s Champion helped create?
