NXT North American Champion Ethan Page has sparked a debate regarding the design of modern WWE championship belts. In a video shared by Shawn Michaels ahead of NXT Deadline, Page took aim at the current standard of using velcro fasteners on title belts, a practice that became commonplace in WWE around 2019.
Page Calls Roster ‘Toddlers’ and ‘Dorks’
Page, who successfully defended his title against Mr. Iguana at Deadline on December 6, proudly displayed the custom modifications made to his Canada-themed North American Championship. He revealed that his title utilizes traditional snaps rather than the velcro used on most main roster and NXT belts today.
“Mine actually has clips, because I’m not a toddler like the rest of the roster who uses velcro, you bunch of dorks,” Page declared in the backstage clip.
The switch from snaps to velcro was made years ago, reportedly to allow superstars to remove and secure the belts more quickly during television segments. However, the change has often been a point of contention among traditionalists and belt collectors who prefer the aesthetic and prestige of metal snaps.
Shawn Michaels Responds
WWE Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative Shawn Michaels took to X to address Page’s comments. While Michaels didn’t defend the velcro design explicitly, he used the moment to hype Page’s scheduled title defense.
“I’m not sure what he has against velcro… but I am sure that @OfficialEGO will put his North American Title on the line TONIGHT at #NXTDeadline!” Michaels wrote.
A Double Champion
Ethan Page continues to enjoy a prominent run in NXT. In addition to holding the North American Championship, he is currently a double champion, holding the AAA World Mixed Tag Team Championship alongside SmackDown superstar Chelsea Green. His victory over Mr. Iguana at Deadline has only added more confidence to his heel persona.
I’m not sure what he has against velcro… but I am sure that @OfficialEGO will put his North American Title on the line TONIGHT at #NXTDeadline! LIVE NOW on @peacock and @netflix pic.twitter.com/x46iCB8Gir
— Shawn Michaels (@ShawnMichaels) December 7, 2025
