WWE is closely watching NXT stars Ethan Page and Ricky Starks as potential call-ups to the main roster, following the recent successes of Stephanie Vaquer and Giulia on RAW and SmackDown. The continued growth of talent in WWE’s developmental division has provided Triple H with promising options to strengthen the main shows later this year.
Page and Starks have been engaged in an intense rivalry on NXT’s Tuesday night programming, most notably clashing at The Great American Bash in a match for the NXT North American Championship. Their feud has drawn significant attention, and both performers have earned praise for their work, making them frontrunners for promotion according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
Ethan Page, currently holding the NXT North American Championship, has been with WWE’s NXT brand since May 2024 and was previously a prominent figure in AEW. The 35-year-old’s transition to WWE caught the company’s eye because of his in-ring skills and character work. Ricky Starks, also 35, appeared on NXT just days after his release from AEW, and is likewise a former holder of the NXT North American Title. Starks shares a close relationship with former Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, which adds an intriguing layer to his potential move.
No official timeline has been provided for when Page and Starks might debut on RAW or SmackDown, but WWE’s ongoing monitoring suggests fans will likely see them join the main roster in the near future.
Possible Strategy for Transition Inspired by Past Call-Ups
The fate of Ethan Page’s North American Championship following a main roster call-up remains uncertain. A recent precedent involves Solo Sikoa, who was stripped of that same title upon joining SmackDown and aligning with The Bloodline. However, this is not always WWE’s approach.
Kevin Owens, for example, made a highly impactful debut on RAW by aggressively targeting John Cena while still carrying the NXT Championship. Owens’s initial main roster push involved defeating the United States Champion before eventually dropping the developmental brand’s title to Finn Balor. Owens’s transition was intertwined with an ongoing feud against Sami Zayn, which paused temporarily due to Zayn’s injury but resumed when Zayn returned at the Royal Rumble the following year.
WWE could use a similar storyline to transition Page and Starks onto the main roster, capitalizing on their NXT rivalry. Additionally, the personal connection between Ricky Starks and Cody Rhodes might be woven into their storyline to enhance fan interest and character development.
The potential call-ups reflect WWE’s strategic efforts to build fresh rivalries and roster depth by promoting talent that has generated buzz in NXT, while also exploring narrative opportunities tied to their history and relationships.
Significance of Talent Movement from AEW to WWE
The acquisitions of Ethan Page and Ricky Starks signify WWE’s continued interest in recruiting talent from rival promotions like AEW, where both stars made a name for themselves. Their moves remind fans that success in wrestling careers can often involve significant changes, and these transitions help WWE replenish its main roster with performers capable of delivering compelling storylines.
As WWE prepares to introduce these NXT stars on larger platforms, expectations are high for them to generate excitement similar to recent call-ups. Their arrival will likely influence ongoing dynamics on RAW and SmackDown, contributing to a refreshed main roster lineup.
