Ethan Page recently lost the WWE NXT North American Championship to Myles Borne during the latest episode of NXT, marking the end of his 273-day reign. This unexpected title change has sparked discussions around what factors led to his defeat and the implications for the NXT brand moving forward.
Possible Main Roster Promotion Behind Title Switch
One key reason speculated for Ethan Page’s loss is an upcoming promotion to WWE’s main roster. Typically, NXT wrestlers who have significant runs on the brand make their way to either RAW or SmackDown. With Ethan’s previous experience in All Elite Wrestling and established presence, WWE might be preparing to integrate him into higher-profile storylines outside of NXT. This could explain the timing of the title change, which parallels recent moves such as Oba Femi’s transition to the main roster after vacating his NXT championship. Additionally, given Bron Breakker’s real-life injury first altered creative plans, Ethan Page may soon be involved in fresh angles, possibly tied to ongoing mystery attacker plots.
Injury Played a Role in Page’s Defeat
Another contributing factor to Ethan’s title loss was an injury angle shown on NXT. In the previous week’s episode, Myles Borne aggressively targeted Ethan’s leg by stomping it on a chair, leaving Page visibly impaired. This storyline device established that Ethan was not at full capacity heading into the championship match, giving Borne a clear advantage. WWE utilized this injury storyline to justify the title switch, allowing the promotion to rewrite Page’s arc while also elevating Borne as the new champion.
WWE’s Intent to Elevate Myles Borne with the Title
The final reason behind the title change is WWE’s desire to boost Myles Borne’s status within NXT. Since his debut, fans have drawn comparisons between Borne and the legendary Randy Orton, particularly noting Borne’s young appearance that resembles an early version of Orton. By awarding Borne the North American Championship, the leadership under Triple H appears ready to test his abilities as a top contender and potential future face of NXT. This title reign may serve as a proving ground to determine if Borne can sustain momentum and eventually challenge for the NXT Championship itself.
With Ethan Page’s departure from the North American title scene, the development brand’s focus is shifting to nurturing emerging talent like Myles Borne. His performance in upcoming matches will likely influence how WWE shapes the competitive landscape of NXT and who gets spotlighted in this crucial phase. Fans and insiders will be watching closely to see if this new champion can live up to the expectations set by the comparisons and creative push behind him.
DREAM REALIZED 🏆@mylesborne_wwe ends the historic reign of Ethan Page and is the NEW NXT North American Champion! pic.twitter.com/3JvqISaPjE
— WWE (@WWE) February 25, 2026
