Three notable WWE NXT performers did not appear on last night’s WWE NXT episode, fueling speculation that they will take part in this Saturday’s Royal Rumble event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Royal Rumble is WWE’s upcoming Premium Live Event known for surprises, especially in the Royal Rumble matches.
In recent years, WWE has frequently included NXT talent to fill out the rosters of both the men’s and women’s Rumble matches. This trend seems likely to continue in the women’s division this weekend, considering the absences on Tuesday’s show.
WWE NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne was missing despite her stablemates Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid appearing to interrupt a match between Thea Hail and Zaria. Zaria then questioned where her close ally Sol Ruca was, as Ruca was also absent. Given the speculation surrounding a possible main roster call-up for Ruca, the Royal Rumble seems a plausible platform for her debut.
Lola Vice, another NXT competitor who skipped the show, is also believed to be in line for the Royal Rumble. Reports suggest the former MMA athlete could soon join SmackDown, hinting at a forthcoming call-up.
Two additional NXT names—Kelani Jordon and Blake Monroe—were also absent, though Monroe appeared via a pre-recorded promo. Unlike the others, these two wrestlers have not been officially linked to potential main roster upgrades.
Big E Predicts Surprise Winner in Women’s Royal Rumble
The Royal Rumble event is renowned for its unpredictability, making the women’s match particularly difficult to forecast. Top-tier stars like Becky Lynch, Liv Morgan, and Charlotte Flair are all poised to compete, while rumors of Tiffany Stratton‘s possible return add another layer of excitement.
During an appearance on RAW Recap, Big E offered his prediction for the match winner, selecting a former two-time NXT Women’s Champion.
I’m going to go with The Prodigy, Roxanne Perez Yes, yes, yes. Well, what, was it last year that she went an hour in the Rumble? A very, very talented woman who I think, I love when the Rumble is a lot of people who are just really talented, but you’re not expecting that this is the year, but you see them take that leap. I think this is the year that Roxanne Perez takes a big leap.
?Big E, WWE Superstar
Roxanne Perez made history last year by lasting an hour, seven minutes, and 47 seconds—the longest time for a woman in a Royal Rumble match. Since then, she has been part of WWE’s main roster and joined The Judgment Day faction.
Potential Storylines Emerging in the Women’s Division
Raquel Rodriguez has been actively pursuing Stephanie Vaquer’s Women’s World Championship recently, while Liv Morgan has previously held the title herself. This sets up an intriguing narrative possibility in which jealousy could arise between them over Roxanne Perez securing a WrestleMania 42 title opportunity.
As the Royal Rumble approaches, the involvement of WWE NXT’s top stars and their transition to the main roster will significantly impact WWE’s storylines leading into WrestleMania season. The outcomes of the Royal Rumble matches, particularly with front-runners like Perez, Lynch, and Flair in the mix, could shape the road ahead for all involved.
