The WWE NXT Champion has shared a strong reaction to the wave of recent WWE NXT stars advancing to the main roster, highlighting the increasing demands and responsibility on those who remain in NXT. The WWE NXT Champion reaction comes as Jordynne Grace, Trick Williams, and Je’Von Evans ascend to WWE’s SmackDown and Raw brands, with other names expected to follow.
Roster Changes Spark New Dynamics in WWE
In a period of significant movement, the NXT roster has seen several high-profile talents transition to WWE’s flagship shows. Jordynne Grace and Trick Williams have joined SmackDown, while Je’Von Evans became an official member of Raw following a public contract signing introduced by General Manager Adam Pearce during the January 5 episode. Before settling into SmackDown, Williams and Grace made several on-air appearances that hinted at their promotions.
Adding to this, Oba Femi, who vacated the NXT Championship at the New Year’s Evil event on January 6, is expected to join the main roster soon as well. These changes have set the stage for new opportunities and challenges for both the departing athletes and those who remain on NXT.
Ethan Page Responds to Departures and Expresses Frustration
In the midst of these moves, WWE NXT Men’s North American Champion Ethan Page, who claimed the title in May 2025, addressed the situation after a recent NXT episode. Speaking through a backstage promo, Page criticized his peers for what he perceives as a lack of respect and gratitude for his leadership and contributions to the developmental brand.
After the latest NXT taping, Page’s comments reflected growing tension:
“I don’t think I’ve ever reached this level of frustration. Not because of this idiot (fan) that’s yelling at me, but because of how little the wrestlers – I’m going to use that phrase very loosely – in NXT appreciate me.They don’t appreciate what I bring to the table, they don’t appreciate what I offer them. They don’t quite understand who I am, or what I am.Folks, we have our general manager announcing talent taking up free agency, meaning they’re leaving. More weight for Ethan Page to carry, and I welcome it.Not a single talent that wanted to interrupt me tonight during my promo time, during my ring time, during my television time, not a single one of you that interrupted me tonight appreciated what I do for you, who I am for you, what I bring to you.So now in 2026, I will continue to conquer and set an example. This time, I’m going to escalate things and set an example that nobody, nobody will be able to follow. [H/T: WrestleTalk.com]” – Ethan Page, WWE NXT Men’s North American Champion
Page’s statement, emotional and confrontational, underscores a feeling of being overlooked even as the pressure on veteran figures increases with each departure. During a segment on the New Year’s Evil show, his address was interrupted by several fellow superstars—including Jasper Troy, Josh Briggs, Stacks, Shiloh Hill, and Tavion Heights—which ultimately led to a chaotic brawl and the announcement of new matches for the following week’s show.
NXT Champions Shoulder the Burden After Main Roster Promotions
With several NXT stars migrating to either Raw or SmackDown, the demands on remaining champions such as Ethan Page intensify. The chain reaction of roster moves means that established talents are expected to lead, mentor, and anchor storylines while also proving themselves in the ever-evolving landscape of NXT.
General Manager Adam Pearce’s role in facilitating these signings has been central to this wave of star promotions, reinforcing WWE’s commitment to refreshing the main roster with promising acts from its developmental brand. For athletes like Oba Femi, relinquishing the NXT Championship signals readiness for a grander stage, even as it leaves major gaps behind.
The Impact and Future of WWE NXT’s Shifting Landscape
The current wave of main roster promotions highlights WWE’s ongoing strategy to integrate new talent and keep its flagship programs dynamic. However, this shuffle places notable stress on those who remain in developmental roles—especially champions expected to uphold NXT’s reputation. With Ethan Page vowing to set an unparalleled example in 2026 and the anticipation surrounding future call-ups like Oba Femi, WWE’s future is poised for more unpredictability and fierce competition.
These developments set the stage for another round of high-stakes storylines and performances, with the NXT champion’s reaction drawing attention to the emotional and professional demands facing those who continue to carry the banner for WWE’s developmental brand. As roster changes accelerate, fans and athletes alike will be watching closely to see who rises to meet the moment and who will be next to make the leap to WWE’s biggest stages.
These guys just don’t get it … pic.twitter.com/Knv6aQti22
— “All Ego” Ethan Page (@OfficialEGO) January 10, 2026
