• “It’s demeaning. I already am a main attraction” – NXT Star On WWE Calling RAW & SmackDown “The Main Roster”
WWE has long labeled RAW and SmackDown as the company’s “main roster,” a term built around the belief that both shows feature the top stars, the biggest championships, and the most high-profile storylines. Because of that, NXT is viewed as a developmental system, even as it continues producing some of WWE’s most dynamic performers.
However, NXT North American and AAA World Mixed Tag Team Champion Ethan Page believes that label is outdated, unfair, and doesn’t reflect what NXT represents today.
Speaking to the Getting Over podcast, Page didn’t hold back as he explained why WWE needs to drop the phrase altogether.
“I want to abolish the phrase ‘main roster.’ I think it’s demeaning. It spits in the face of what I personally have and continue to accomplish in NXT.
I believe that when one of these other promotions, RAW or SmackDown, goes out of their way – because they need me – to come steal me from Shawn Michaels, then it will be a lateral move for me career-wise because I already am a ‘main attraction.’ I don’t think there is a level up.
Right now, Shawn Michaels has the best wrestler in WWE on his roster. I just play for a specific team. I’m not in the B league. I play for a different team in the NFL, MLB, NHL. I win a lot for my team. I will end up being traded, I’m sure, but for me, it will be a lateral move.”
• Top Star Left Off AEW’s Mount Rushmore By Young Bucks
The Young Bucks were asked during their interview with Adam’s Apple to name who they believe belongs on the “Mount Rushmore of AEW,” and they laid out the names they feel are foundational to the company’s identity.
“You got to put him up there,” referring to Chris Jericho, saying Jericho is essential to any AEW Mount Rushmore.
They also highlighted “Hangman” Adam Page as one of the pillars of the promotion. Kenny Omega was another immediate selection. “I mean, Kenny, right?” They made it clear that Omega’s place among AEW’s greats is undeniable in their eyes.
After naming Jericho, Hangman, and Omega, the Bucks didn’t shy away from adding themselves to the conversation, saying, “And then if you could put a couple of extra heads up there, you can put me and my brother out there probably.”
With those comments, The Young Bucks made it clear who they believe built AEW from the ground up: Chris Jericho, Hangman Page, Kenny Omega, and The Young Bucks themselves.
Current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes wasn’t included, despite being instrumental in the launch of All Elite Wrestling.
