Ethan Page Retains NXT Title Over Joe Hendry In Controversial Fashion At No Mercy 2024

WWE’s NXT brand brought No Mercy to Denver’s Ball Arena on September 1. This was capped off with Ethan Page defending the brand’s top title against Joe Hendry.

On the August 13 episode of NXT, Ethan Page was celebrating his NXT Championship defense when he was interrupted by Joe Hendry from TNA, who declared his intention to win the NXT Championship. Wes Lee then appeared and superkicked Hendry. Later, Raw’s Pete Dunne also expressed his desire for the title. Hendry attacked Lee backstage, leading to NXT General Manager Ava announcing a triple threat match between Dunne, Hendry, and Lee, with the winner earning a title shot at No Mercy. Hendry won the match despite Page’s interference. The following week, Hendry’s live concert was interrupted by Page, prompting Ava to appoint Trick Williams as the special guest referee for the No Mercy title match due to Page’s actions.

The main event of the night finally came, right after Giulia made her long-awaited NXT debut at No Mercy. This was a big night that capped off with Joe Hendry getting a shot at All Ego’s title. First, Trick Williams tore the house down with his entrance as special guest referee. Joe Hendry received a great reception, and Ethan Page cut a short promo in Gorilla Position before he made his entrance.

They got started slow as Trick Williams and All Ego had some words as well. Then Joe Hendry and Ethan Page traded some holds to get things going. Hendry hulked up and blocked a couple Page moves, but then Ethan nailed a kick and shoved Hendry against the ring post to gain control again.

They made their way to the top rope, and they both battled for advantage on top. Then Page put Hendry on his shoulder and nailed a top rope powerslam for a two count.

Ethan Page took his time and got to the top rope again. Then Joe Hendry jumped up and stopped him to nail a fallaway slam from the top rope. Ethan Page rolled out of the ring as Hendry got himself ready to follow up. Fans chanted “We Believe” as Joe nailed a splash to the outside on Page.

Then Page turned things around and got back in the ring as Trick Williams counted Joe Hendry out, but Hendry got back in the ring right before the 10 count. Joe Hendry nailed an Ego’s Edge on Page next for a two count. They traded some shots in the ring as fans booed Page and cheered Hendry on.

Hendry hit another fallaway slam, and then he got the crowd going again. He got the fans chanting “We Believe” again and clapping along. Then he hit a Standing Ovation for a two count as Page got his foot under the ropes and Trick stopped counting.

Hendry asked Trick why he stopped counting, and then Page shoved Joe into Trick. Ethan Page nailed a Standing Ovation on Hendry next, and a new referee ran in to get a near fall count. Page wanted to use his belt to win the match, but he got caught in a rolled up pin for a two count. Page hit a DDT on the NXT Title, but Trick Williams slid in to stop the referee from counting.

Page nailed the referee and then Page kicked Hendry below the belt. Trick didn’t see the low blow and he counted a clean pinfall for Ethan Page. This was a controversial finish, but Ethan Page closed out NXT No Mercy as champion. Then Pete Dunne jumped Trick Williams to hype their match on NXT next week.

What’s your take on the NXT No Mercy main event match? Do you think that Trick Williams will win the NXT Title back? Let us know what you think in the comments section!