Hangman Page has identified “Being The Elite” as the critical factor behind the establishment of AEW, emphasizing its role in forging a significant bond with wrestling enthusiasts. During an interview with Variety, Page discussed the YouTube series’ profound influence on his career trajectory and the eventual launch of AEW in 2019, a venture initiated by The Young Bucks, Kenny Omega, Cody Rhodes, Page himself, and Tony Khan. While Omega and The Young Bucks maintain their EVP roles, Rhodes has since departed the promotion.
The series, primarily managed by The Young Bucks, provided audiences with a unique look at the behind-the-scenes lives of The Elite. Page conveyed the importance of this platform, stating, “When I start talking about my career and what I’ve been through, I can’t talk about it without mentioning Being the Elite, what it meant for wrestling, and how really, AEW wouldn’t have existed without it. That was the real vehicle that created a connection with fans, and started a movement, a following.”
Reflecting on his personal experiences with the show, Page described it as a uniquely enjoyable period in his wrestling career. “For me personally, ‘BTE,’ in its entirety, was probably the most fun I have ever had in wrestling,” Page remarked. “It’s hard to imagine that at the end of the day. It will always be the most fun I have ever had in professional wrestling, because these guys are my best friends, the people that I’m spending as much or more time with every week than I am with my own family.”
He further elaborated on the collaborative and passionate environment surrounding “Being The Elite.” “We all love the same thing. We’re all creative people. Getting to do that together never felt like work. I guess it wasn’t work, but it never felt like it either, it was always fun. And it was something we were passionate about. A lot of times we would be up in the middle of the night. For the cruise Halloween episode. I didn’t sleep for a couple days trying to do it, and that was never a burden.”
The growing impact of “Being The Elite” became evident through increased audience engagement at Ring of Honor and New Japan Pro-Wrestling events. Page noted, “It was just like ‘Wow, I haven’t slept at all, I’ve been working,’ but it was such a fun thing to do, such a privilege. The longer it went on, the more we started to recognize the fruits of our labor; we would do Ring of Honor or New Japan [Pro Wrestling] shows, and it felt like the crowd was there to see ‘BTE’ a lot of times.” He concluded, “The crowds were bigger, the viewership was bigger, and ultimately it ended up being All Elite Wrestling. But at the same time, you had the sense that us goofing off, us having fun, is changing the landscape of wrestling and in a very positive way. It’s such a cool thing to be a part of.”
Recently, Hangman Page achieved a significant milestone by defeating Will Ospreay in the main event of AEW Double or Nothing 2025, winning the Men’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament. This victory guarantees Page an AEW World Championship match at All In, scheduled for July 12, 2025.
The decision for Page to emerge victorious was reportedly maintained with considerable secrecy backstage, with the outcome disclosed to performers only shortly before the match. This win is widely regarded as a pivotal moment for Page, reinforcing his position as a premier talent in AEW following a period without a primary focus on the world title. The contest itself garnered substantial positive feedback from both internal AEW circles and the fanbase, with many citing it as a standout main event in recent AEW pay-per-view history.
READ MORE: Adam Page Wins Men’s Owen Hart Foundation Cup Tournament