In 2016, Hangman Page was brought into the Bullet Club by The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson). Joining the group led to Hangman's breakout as the trio won the ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Championships in 2017 and were linked together as the Bullet Club continued to rise to prominence in ROH and NJPW.
Alongside Kenny Omega, the four men became intrigal parts of AEW before Hangman split from The Elite. At AEW Full Gear, Hangman will have his chance to become the face of the company when he faces Omega for the AEW World Title.
Speaking to Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, the Young Bucks discussed the rise of Hangman.
“I knew he was special when we specifically told [New Japan Pro-Wrestling referee and executive] Tiger Hattori that he needed to join the Bullet Club,” said Nick. “He just needed the push to get to where he is now. There’s no doubt that Hangman is the future of AEW. He is arguably the most over guy in our company and I feel like his backstory is very relatable to the fans, which makes his character so compelling. Him and Kenny Omega is box office.”
Matt added, "Kenny is the greatest singles wrestler in wrestling and we’ve said it for years. Any show that doesn’t have an Elite match in it is going to suffer or just simply not be as good. He’s just like us, always thinking outside the box. No idea is too crazy. That’s how we keep challenging ourselves to get to that next level.Hangman will be the center of the company long after we’ve all had our moment in the sun. But right now, Kenny is king and he’s on the run of his life.”
Hangman earned his title shot by winning the Casino Ladder Match on the October 6 episode of AEW Dynamite.
Fightful will have live coverage of AEW Dynamite beginning at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday.