Since the inception of NXT, WWE has frequently promoted numerous talents from its developmental brand to the main roster, utilizing it as a talent pipeline. Whether these wrestlers came from the independent scenes, like Kevin Owens, or transitioned from other athletic backgrounds, such as Bianca Belair, many success stories have emerged from this system.
However, WWE has also made many missteps. With an abundance of talent available, numerous wrestlers have struggled on the main roster due to poor booking and creative choices. Moving a wrestler to Raw or SmackDown is complex, and the recent transition of Roxanne Perez serves as an exemplary model for how it should be handled.
WWE needs to remember that not all fans follow NXT, and in-ring talent alone isn’t enough. Casual viewers often don’t recognize NXT superstars, so WWE must properly introduce these wrestlers when they debut on the main roster. The NXT roster is rich with skilled wrestlers prepared for the main stage, but WWE sometimes assumes that fans will automatically know and care about them, which isn’t always true. Many casual fans lack the time or interest to follow WWE’s developmental shows, especially since NXT isn’t as popular as the main roster products.
This is why WWE often throws wrestlers into the spotlight without heavily relying on their wrestling abilities to engage fans. Audiences require backstory, character development, and context to truly connect with new talent.
Roxanne Perez was integrated into an existing storyline with the top faction, Judgment Day, making her debut significant. Perez was positioned alongside WWE’s biggest stars, giving fans a reason to care about her beyond her in-ring skills. Introducing her through Finn Balor, a trusted and established star, was a strategic move that quickly garnered attention and curiosity from fans. Her involvement sparked questions about her potential role in the faction, her impact on other members, and the storyline’s direction.
Perez’s interactions with faction members and rivals helped build emotional investment, elevating her status from the outset. This engagement turned her matches and storylines into must-watch events, and Triple H’s booking ensured she received an appropriate response from the audience.
WWE has given Roxanne Perez ample opportunities both inside and outside the ring to prove herself. She impressed fans with her wrestling abilities, cutting promos, and character work. Having already captured the women’s tag team titles, Perez isn’t just a background figure in Judgment Day but a key member actively involved in various segments and matches.
Working alongside established stars like Dominik Mysterio, Valhalla, and Raquel Rodriguez, Perez has proven she belongs on the main roster. Her successful introduction from NXT demonstrates the ideal way to transition talents, making her feel like a genuine part of the bigger WWE universe.
Ultimately, Perez’s rise is attributed to her talent and understanding of both wrestling and entertainment. While WWE provides storylines and gimmicks, it’s up to the wrestler to make the most of these opportunities, which Perez has done remarkably well. As she becomes more established and beloved by fans, WWE can continue developing her into a vital part of the product that matches her skills.
Fan Take: Roxanne Perez’s successful transition underscores the importance of thoughtful storytelling and character development for new WWE stars. For fans, this signals a promising future where fresh talent is given meaningful roles, potentially leading to more engaging and dynamic wrestling programming.
