The October 1, 2024 episode of WWE NXT delivered a memorable experience as CM Punk’s GTS—his signature move—became an unexpectedly joyful CM Punk GTS WWE NXT moment, solidifying its place in wrestling history. During the live broadcast, which marked the brand’s premiere on the CW Network, emotions ran high as pivotal storylines unfolded and careers were defined in front of a national audience.
WWE NXT’s Premiere and a Pivotal Title Match
The episode represented a significant milestone for WWE NXT, as it debuted on the CW Network after years of development and network transitions. NXT’s journey began as an exclusive show on WWE Network, moved to USA Network, and now found itself reaching a broader audience on broadcast television in the United States through the CW. The network deal was seen as a major accomplishment, underscoring NXT’s evolution from a developmental platform to a legitimate brand in its own right.
As anticipation built, the main event featured Trick Williams facing Ethan Page for the coveted NXT Championship. The match carried added weight because Trick Williams, known for his charisma and connection with fans, was positioned as the heroic challenger, set to dethrone the reigning heel champion, Ethan Page. The stakes were clear, and the energy in the arena reflected the audience’s hopes for a new era with Williams as the titleholder.
CM Punk’s Role and the Moment of Impact
CM Punk was appointed as the special referee for this high-stakes contest. His presence in the match hinted at drama, given his reputation for controversy and show-stealing moments. As the confrontation unfolded, Trick Williams managed to secure the victory over Ethan Page, fulfilling the fans’ expectations and capturing the NXT Title in a moment celebrated by both the live crowd and viewers nationwide.
However, the excitement didn’t end with the final bell. After the match, a heated exchange ensued between CM Punk and Ethan Page. Page’s frustration boiled over, leading him to shove Punk. In response, Punk shoved him back, then delivered his renowned Go To Sleep finisher. The sight of Punk dropping Page with the GTS, surrounded by falling confetti, became an image cemented in the collective memory of the audience—a definitive CM Punk GTS WWE NXT moment that resonated beyond the result of the match.
Ethan Page’s Reflections on the GTS Moment
In the aftermath, Ethan Page shared his perspective on this electrifying closing scene during a conversation on Insight With Chris Van Vliet. Page revealed that being on the receiving end of Punk’s GTS brought him a sense of joy—not for the impact itself, but for its significance for Trick Williams, whose championship win represented a milestone not just for the wrestler but for the brand overall. As Page explained, the symbolic power of the moment went beyond personal achievement and embodied collective celebration.
“Let’s also talk about how that was the last thing people saw on that episode is confetti falling in my stupid face after CM Punk knocked me out in the middle of the ring. You know what? There was some joy that I got out of it. It was the fact that Trick Williams won the championship. But the last thing people saw was my stupid face.”
—Ethan Page, WWE Superstar
Page’s candid admission highlighted the emotional complexity surrounding the match’s final moments. While Page played the defeated villain, he found satisfaction in being part of a storyline that brought happiness to both the new champion and the fans at ringside and watching at home.
Ongoing Storylines: Punk, Cena, and the SummerSlam Build
The episode’s impact extended beyond NXT, as CM Punk’s actions helped fuel storylines throughout WWE. The same week, John Cena delivered a pointed “pipebomb” promo on SmackDown, targeting CM Punk directly. Their animated rivalry reached a crescendo as Cena attacked Punk with two title belt shots and performed an Attitude Adjustment through a table, echoing Punk’s famous 2011 promo and adding layers to their ongoing feud.
Looking ahead, Cena is set to defend the WWE Title against Punk at Night of Champions on June 28, an event scheduled to air live from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Peacock in the United States and on Netflix internationally. The stakes for both competitors have never been higher, with their contentious feud now taking center stage at one of the year’s premier events. During the SummerSlam Kickoff, Punk addressed questions about whether Cena’s latest verbal attack made things more personal.
“No, I don’t think so. Just because people come out on television and lie about me doesn’t make it true. John said one true real thing last night and that’s he’s jealous of me. And it doesn’t seem to make any sense because he’s the greatest of all time, right? 17-time World Champion. I don’t know if anybody in this room is going to live long enough to see anybody else accomplish that. It could be Randy [Orton]. Randy is probably our best bet. One thing, the big difference between Randy and John is Randy didn’t sell his soul to The Rock.”
—CM Punk, WWE Superstar
Punk’s comments fueled the emotional turmoil underpinning their confrontation, adding to the sense of anticipation as fans prepared for their next clash inside the ring. Both John Cena and CM Punk tapped into history, jealousy, and unresolved tension, with names like Randy Orton referenced as potential legendary successors.
The Broader WWE Landscape: Shifting Alliances and High Stakes
While the landmark CM Punk GTS WWE NXT moment took center stage, WWE’s broader news cycle continued to shift. Drew McIntyre remained absent from television as he took a hiatus, sparking curiosity about his future involvement. Karrion Kross, admired by fans, faced reported reluctance from WWE leadership to push him further up the card, leaving his status uncertain despite persistent support from the fan base. Industry veterans, including a WWE Hall of Famer, expressed confusion over the sustained skepticism some segments had toward John Cena, even in the face of his historic accomplishments.
The all-female Evolution show was officially announced for a return, with fans learning of at least one impending title match on the card. Meanwhile, Swerve Strickland, a notable free agent, encouraged recently released wrestlers to seize new opportunities, adding his voice to those shaping the current landscape of wrestling’s competitive scene.
Backstage, legal drama involving Vince McMahon and Janel Grant’s ongoing lawsuit continued to make headlines, with further developments anticipated as McMahon’s legal team sought access to important emails. Producers and creative minds within WWE also revisited the artistry of past performances, reflecting on what they described as “masterpiece” moments featuring stars like CM Punk and Trick Williams.
A Night Fans and Wrestlers Will Remember
The October 1 NXT broadcast became more than just a televised wrestling event. It marked a coming-of-age for the brand on a new network and produced a memorable main event where emotion, ambition, and spectacle united. Ethan Page’s willingness to embrace his role—even as the defeated antagonist—underscored the deeper meaning behind the closing moments. The confetti-strewn ring, the joy on Trick Williams’ face, and the decisive CM Punk GTS WWE NXT moment created a vivid scene that resonated with all viewers.
As WWE continues to evolve, individual actions and emotional highs from episodes like these contribute to storylines with lasting significance. The embrace of one’s defeat for the sake of a larger narrative, the rise of new champions, and the interplay of personal history among wrestling’s top stars ensure that moments like CM Punk’s GTS on NXT will linger in memory—fueling passion, debate, and excitement for what the future holds: in the ring, on screen, and for all who witness the drama unfold.
