WWE: It is time to move Raquel Gonzalez to the main roster

The WWE Draft is in full swing. Things kicked off on Friday with WWE SmackDown and will close out on Monday during WWE Monday Night Raw. Many were wondering what part NXT would play, and there has been some names moved up to the main roster, specifically Hit Row and Austin Theory. After Monday, that list should include Raquel Gonzalez to move to either brand.

NXT 2.0 is heading into its fourth week and the verdict of the revamped brand is still out. Portions of the show receive a positive reception, while there is much that leaves viewers scratching their heads.

The direction of the women’s division is one area where many have expressed concern. NXT 2.0 is moving toward more “edgier” content, and the idea of such within WWE immediately raises eyebrows. When WWE presents “edgy” that draws a parallel to the Attitude Era, a time where women’s wrestling was not looked at in the same fashion as it is seen today. As Toxic Attraction and storylines about boyfriends or husband’s take center stage, there is going to be a segment of the women’s division that may be left out of the revamp.

This is where Raquel Gonzalez comes into play. Gonzalez has been a well-booked, dominant champion, despite a few hiccups along the way. Before the revamp she was scheduled to defend her title against Franky Monet, another woman that is main roster ready. But that match was delayed for three weeks. When it occurred, the perception was that they were given little time. Immediately after the match, Toxic Attraction appears, attacks Monet, then decimates Gonzalez as well.

After months of strong booking, Gonzalez was missing from the brand revamp until a quick title defense and another moment to put over the newest faction on NXT 2.0. It is clear that the booking for the brand is heading in another direction and Gonzalez’s time with that title is potentially short. If that is the case, moving Gonzalez to the main roster is the right direction to take as both SmackDown and Raw need an infusion of new names into their rosters.

Imagine matches against the likes of Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, Sasha Banks, Carmella, and even going back to matches like those with Rhea Ripley or even Dakota Kai. Gonzalez could immediately be booked as a force in the division, regardless of which brand she was on. There was a time when she better fit within NXT, but the revamp to NXT 2.0 creates a sense of caution and the idea that she would now be better served on the main roster.

Raquel Gonzalez is someone that WWE could build around for the long term, as a central part in the uber-talented women’s division within the promotion. Now is the time to move her to the main roster where she can have a significant impact at a time when those brands need her the most.