Jacy Jayne, former WWE NXT Women’s Champion, was an unexpected contender at the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble held last month in Saudi Arabia. Speaking about her experience on Busted Open After Dark with Bully Ray, Jayne shared the challenges she faced during the event, highlighting the limitations that came with being a surprise participant.
Restrictions Behind the Scenes in Saudi Arabia
Jayne explained the unusual restrictions imposed on her and others, noting that to keep their participation confidential, they spent most of their time confined to their hotel.
“So we flew to Saudi but we weren’t allowed to actually go out and do anything because we were surprises and we didn’t want to give it away that we were there,”
Jayne said.
“We kind of just hid out in the hotel for awhile, for like a week. … I was allowed to go downstairs and work out and go eat. … But I didn’t actually get to see much of Saudi.”
This kept her largely isolated from the environment and limited her off-ring experience during the trip.
Challenges with Costume Approval and Performance Limitations
Jayne also revealed difficulties relating to her match attire, which had to meet specific cultural guidelines. After her initial bodysuit design was rejected, she selected white for her gear. However, the choice required the suit to be made with three layers of spandex to avoid transparency, severely restricting her mobility. Reflecting on her performance in the match, Jayne shared mixed feelings:
“I feel like I could’ve done better,”
she admitted.
“I was nervous, just because I wanted to make a good impression. I felt like, in a weird way, I was on a job interview the whole time, you know? That’s how I looked at it.”
Positive Moments Despite Nerves and Limited Role
Although she was self-critical of her in-ring showing, Jayne emphasized that the experience was still enjoyable, largely because of the backstage environment. She remarked that everyone made her feel welcome, even if her time in the Royal Rumble was brief. Understanding her current position within WWE, Jayne acknowledged, she is not yet a full-time main roster performer and accepted the role she was given.
Implications for Jayne’s Career Moving Forward
Jayne’s candid reflections reveal both the obstacles wrestlers can face when participating internationally under strict guidelines and the pressures of proving oneself on a global stage like the WWE Royal Rumble. Her account underscores the growing pains for emerging stars as they transition within WWE’s ranks, spotlighting the physical, cultural, and emotional complexities involved in representing the brand worldwide. How she builds on this experience could influence her trajectory in upcoming WWE events.
