Current WWE champion has "untapped potential," assesses Shawn Michaels
WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels has now opened up about one of the company's hottest signings in recent memory. HBK feels that despite all the experience this star has, there is still "untapped potential." The name in question is NXT Champion Ethan Page.
Page spent nearly a decade wrestling in the independent circuit and for companies like ROH, TNA, and AEW before finally arriving at World Wrestling Entertainment. In just a month after his WWE debut on May 28, 2024, the former AEW star became NXT Champion by defeating Trick Williams at NXT Heatwave.
During an interview for Good Karma Wrestling, Shawn Michaels was asked about the value Ethan Page brings to NXT. Michaels, who oversees the creative aspects of the former black-and-gold brand, admitted that he immediately looked into Page once he found out the latter was available:
"I will say this. Soon as I found out he was available, it was something that I started looking into immediately. Again, because you're talking about a great deal of experience, seasoned [and] comfortable. Somebody that knows what they're doing out there," Shawn Michaels said.
He continued about observing Ethan Page, and as far as he understands about the 34-year-old, Michaels feels that All-Ego can go a long way in WWE:
"I didn't know everything about him, but you sort of look at him, and you say like, 'I think there is a lot of untapped potential there.'" [From 03:44 to 04:12]
Check out the video below:
When asked about who are some of the best wrestlers in the business today, Shawn Michaels named AJ Styles and Seth Rollins, adding that these two athletes especially work his "style" which HBK enjoys watching.
Shawn Michaels turned down former WWE Universal Champion's request for "one more match"
It is hard sometimes for longtime WWE fans to not look back at some of the best performers. As is the case for many wrestlers, they officially retire, but come back for a match or two down the line. Shawn Michaels himself came out of retirement to work a tag team match in 2018.
While conversing with Sportskeeda Wrestling's Emily Mae in April 2024, Kevin Owens revealed he always asks Michaels to work one more match around WrestleMania season. But the Hall of Famer has the same answer every time:
"I've said in other interviews, I've been bothering Shawn Michaels every year. Like clockwork around November, I start bothering him about WrestleMania. He says no every time. I don't expect it to change, but I'm gonna keep trying."
After WrestleMania XL, The Prizefighter hinted that he might have competed on the grand stage for the last time.
If you use the quote, please credit Good Karma Wrestling and give a H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.