The Kia Forum in Inglewood, California witnessed wrestling history as lucha libre legends collided with NXT’s finest in a Fatal 4-Way that perfectly embodied the spirit of WWE Worlds Collide. What unfolded was a masterclass in cross-cultural wrestling that showcased why international partnerships could be the future of sports entertainment.
Championship Stakes Meet Lucha Libre Excellence
Ethan Page faced his toughest challenge yet as NXT North American Champion, defending against a trio that represented the best of both worlds. Je’Von Evans brought his high-flying NXT style, while AAA representatives Laredo Kid and Rey Fénix delivered the authentic lucha libre experience that made this crossover event special.
The match positioning as the penultimate bout of the evening spoke volumes about WWE’s confidence in this international experiment. With Lilian Garcia providing Spanish ring introductions, the atmosphere immediately felt different from typical NXT programming.
Size Meets Speed in Championship Warfare
Page’s strategy became clear early as the largest competitor utilized his physical advantages while surprisingly adapting lucha libre techniques. The champion’s willingness to match his opponents’ aerial style added an unexpected dimension to his usual power-based approach.
Konnan’s prediction during entrances proved prophetic – this contest would indeed be “fire.” Each competitor elevated their performance to match the magnitude of the moment, creating what many described as a “big fight feel” rarely seen in mid-card championship matches.
Crowd Erupts for High-Impact Sequences
The Inglewood audience reached fever pitch when Rey Fénix executed a spectacular flipping DDT on Laredo Kid, triggering thunderous “This is awesome” chants. These organic crowd reactions highlighted the quality difference when authentic lucha libre meets WWE’s production values.
Je’Von Evans seized his spotlight moments with signature bouncy maneuvers that showcased why he’s considered one of NXT’s rising stars. The young performer held his own against established lucha legends, proving NXT’s developmental system continues producing ready-made talent.
Unexpected Crowd Reactions Create Talking Points
“We Want Truth” chants unexpectedly erupted during the match, creating confusion among live viewers and social media observers. The timing seemed disconnected from the in-ring action, leading to speculation about crowd motivations during this high-stakes championship encounter.
Despite the random interruptions, the competitors maintained focus and continued delivering innovative sequences that justified the crossover concept’s potential.
Page Proves Championship Mettle
When the smoke cleared, Ethan Page secured the decisive pinfall to retain his NXT North American Championship. The victory demonstrated his ability to adapt and overcome diverse wrestling styles while maintaining his championship reign during a challenging period.
This successful title defense positions Page strongly heading into future NXT programming, having proven himself against international competition of the highest caliber.
Worlds Collide Points Toward Wrestling’s Future
The Fatal 4-Way served as more than just entertainment – it represented a proof of concept for WWE’s expanding international partnerships. The seamless blend of wrestling cultures suggests these crossover events could become regular occurrences rather than special attractions.
WWE and AAA’s collaboration created opportunities for matches previously impossible under traditional booking constraints. This inventive approach to programming could reshape how wrestling promotions view international cooperation.
With Ethan Page’s championship reign continuing and the lucha libre stars proving their worth on WWE’s biggest stages, the question becomes whether Worlds Collide was a one-time experiment or the beginning of a new era in professional wrestling collaboration. What other dream matches could emerge from this growing partnership between wrestling worlds?
