Ethan Page has transformed himself into one of the top wrestlers in IMPACT during the pandemic, getting in great shape and devising a new gimmick.
During a time when it's easier to think outside the box and try new things, Page has crafted The Karate Man, a new gimmick that has helped boost his overall popularity.
Speaking to Tommy Dreamer on House of Hardcore, Page explained how it was initially just done to pop the boys and how it's taken on a life of its own.
"I'm feuding with Ken Shamrock. I'm backstage, we're setting up a promo and Don Callis says to me, 'Hey kid, you know what would be hilarious? If you call yourself the Karate Man.' I'm like, 'Yeah, sure Don. Is this a rib? You're trying to set me up?' 'Just say it. I think it'd be funny.' In the promo, I jokingly say, 'I'm the Karate Man,' just to pop everyone backstage. I get a kick out of it and think it's hilarious. Fast forward to Slammiversary against Ken Shamrock. There's a moment in the tag match where it's just me on the hard cam, I'm feeling good and I'm gonna do this crazy karate pose, yell 'I AM THE KARATE MAN!' and throw a kick at Shamrock so he catches it in the ankle lock. That clip blows up on Twitter and I think, 'It'd be hilarious if I tie a t-shirt around my head and put a Karate Man shirt on my store.' Jean-Claude Van Damme released a bunch of green screen footage many years ago for fans to put him in their movies, which I always thought was cool. I downloaded that, put the headband on, and Ethan Page was Karate Man in a segment where I fought Jean-Claude Van Damme, and from there it was off to the races," said Page.
Page did note that he is a black belt in karate and taekwondo. The Karate Man has turned into a superstar on Page's YouTube page and made an appearance at TalkNShopAMania 2.
Page is set to become a free agent at the end of the year when his contract with IMPACT Wrestling expires.
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