The May 27 episode of WWE NXT left fans talking as speculation raged about what happened on the show. Stephanie Vaquer dropped the NXT Women’s Championship to Jacy Jayne, and Ricky Saints lost the NXT North American Championship to Ethan Page. Before the end of the night, rumors were bubbling about the potential for Vaquer and Jordynne Grace to move to the main roster. This rumor and other recent changes open the door for the plethora of talent in the NXT women’s division, but it should be a true opportunity for Kylie Rae to establish herself as the next top baby face of the brand.
In the last few weeks, WWE NXT has lost Giulia and Roxanne Perez to the main roster. Two major names and former champions who were long prepared to hit SmackDown and Monday Night Raw, respectively. In many ways, it is surprising they spent as much time in NXT as they did.
If Jordynne Grace and Stephanie Vaquer are soon to follow, there is a budding concern about the future of the women’s division in NXT. That group has long remained the focal point of much of the show, as they consistently outshine the men’s division. However, there should not be any real fear about this division’s future. They have several great, young names who are ready to step up.
Performers like Kelani Jordan and Sol Ruca immediately come to mind. Zaria is another experienced performer who can fill in the role of a top threat and title holder. Lash Legend, Jaida Parker, Lola Vice, and Tatum Paxley are some other names of interest that fans recognize and are ready to support. Losing Giulia, Perez, and potentially Vaquer and Grace are major shifts, but this should not be cast as a death knell for the division.
Kylie Rae is one performer WWE should lean on for the future of the NXT women’s division
Kylie Rae is not someone who needs an introduction to hardcore wrestling fans. She’s a veteran of the independent wrestling scene with nearly a decade of experience. Along the way, she’s captured several championships while competing against some of the best the business has to offer.
Rae is someone WWE has had an eye on for a while. In 2022, she had an official tryout with WWE with many expecting an offer to follow, but that did not pan out. She stepped away from active competition for marriage and to start a family, but would return in 2024 to much excitement from her fans.
In what was seen as a surprise, Rae was announced as one of the first performers named to the WWE ID program. She’d take part in matches in Evolve while still taking part in matches in various independent organizations.
Kylie Rae has all the tools to be a featured performer in NXT. Her character is well-developed and supported by fans. She wrestles a great in-ring style, with several examples of matches that were well-received over the years. She’s 32 years old, so still in her athletic prime while having the valuable experience to help the young performers on the roster. There’s a lot to like about Rae in such a position and she’d be the right name to step into that role.
WWE doesn’t need to look far for a new batch of leaders to drive the NXT women’s division. There are several young names being groomed to step into the top role. But WWE should look no further than Kylie Rae to be the next top babyface to build the division around for the future.