Ethan Page used experience and smartness to defeat Santino Marella
In the latest episode of WWE NXT, Ethan Page faced an unexpected challenge when he went up against veteran Santino Marella. This match wasn’t just a title defence, but a generational clash, one side had a new and confident champion, and the other had an experienced and unpredictable opponent. But in the end, Page used his smartness to win the match and retain the North American Championship.
Santino Marella’s comeback and the fear of the Cobra
After 2014, Santino Marella entered a WWE ring for the first time and directly challenged Ethan Page. Marella started the match with fast pace. He surprised Page with arm drags and quick roll-ups. But Page used his strength to hit a big boot and locked in a headlock, which Marella broke with a strong airplane spin.
When Page went for his finisher Twisted Grin, Marella immediately countered it with a stunner. The crowd’s energy was at its highest during this moment. Near the end, Marella hit a high-flying dive on Page outside the ring, and after coming back in, he pulled out his trademark Cobra move. But the referee stopped him and Page used that distraction to poke Marella’s eye. Right after that, he hit Twisted Grin and won the match.
New belt design shows Ethan Page’s Canadian pride
Last week, Page introduced a new version of the North American Championship belt. The old maroon strap was replaced with a Canadian flag design. Page proudly tried to sing Canada’s national anthem. Marella interrupted him and said that the belt should be with someone who deserves respect.
Marella is also Canadian, and he believed a title like this shouldn’t be with someone full of ego like Page. This made the match more personal.
Santino Marella still dangerous in the ring
Marella, now 51 years old, is still active in part-time wrestling. He also works as Director of Authority in TNA. Earlier in July, he wrestled in a tag team match with NXT’s Lola Vice at an AAA promotion event. His Cobra move still remains a surprise factor for fans.
Ethan Page’s reign reaches 64 days
After this win, Ethan Page’s North American Championship reign has reached 64 days. He proved that he can win not just with power but with mind as well. Defeating a veteran like Marella was not easy, but Page gave a smart reply to every move.
Now it will be interesting to see who his next challenger is and how long he can keep this title with him.
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