Updated: Apr 1
The NXT Women's division is stocked with shooting stars who will shine as the next generation of excellence in ladies' professional wrestling
MAULING IT OVER with MARK MAHLER - 03.11.2023
Every once in a while new talent starts to emerge in a big way on the wrestling scene. In most cases, blue-chippers start off on the lower level and eventually ascend. And the biggest blue-chipper in wrestling history has to be Kurt Angle.
He had an Olympic background. Made an appearance, albeit a regretful one with ECW, then was thrust into the spotlight of the WWF. Kurt took to wrestling like a fish to water. He had arguably the best first year of any new wrestler in any promotion.
Since then, the WWE has developed NXT. They’ve had some pretty big catches, especially if you look at the paths in recent years of Rhea Ripley and Gunther. Others are still getting their footing, but have big upsides like Raquel Rodriguez, Karrion Kross, and several others. NXT is serving its purpose trying to find the next big catches. This is where I’ve actually started to zone in on a couple of talents that caught my eye and I’ve been watching them closely.
No offense to Carmelo Hayes, Grayson Waller, and the champ Bron Breakker, the women have been stealing the spotlight here. Established stars like Alba Fyre, Isla Dawn, Zoey Stark, Cora Jade, Indi Hartwell, Fallon Henley, Katana, Kayden, Gigi Dolan, Jacy Jayne, Kiana James, Lyra Valkeria, Blair Davenport, and hosts of others are still making massive impacts here.
The women’s division is as strong as ever. The Women’s title and tag teams are so loaded they often main event on Tuesday nights. Anyone of these women mentioned could main event or also challenge for a major championship in NXT at any time in my humblest opinion.
Newcomers like Thea Hall, who is a massive ball of energy need a little more seasoning. I believe is coming if she is feuding with Ava also known as the Rock’s Daughter. Speaking of Ava, she can’t be rated as of yet because we haven’t seen much if anything at all of her in-ring skills. These two if the chemistry is there might pull off a stunning showing. This feud needs more time to brew and build, but the storyline is heading the right direction for these to showcase their stuff.
But four women, in particular, stand out as ones to watch: Roxanne Perez, Nikkita Lyons, Tiffany Stratton, and Sol Ruca. They don’t stand out for the obvious reason, each is unique.
But what really shines on these women is their different athletic backgrounds and skills. The current NXT Women’s Champ, Roxanne Perez is already a former ROH champ and student of one Booker T.