Nia Jax is approaching her 11th anniversary since making her in-ring debut at a WWE NXT live event, where she first appeared in a tag team match. Recently, she has returned to tag team action, now partnering with rising star Rush Legend. Beyond her in-ring role, Jax has also become a pivotal locker room leader within WWE, as she shared on the show “Insight With Chris Van Vliet.”
Jax explained that upon her return, she naturally stepped into a leadership role because she has been part of WWE longer than most of the current female roster, is older, and has witnessed many changes within the company. She feels the locker room needs to maintain certain traditions that have diminished with newer talent. When she joined WWE, her coach, Bill DeMott, emphasized an old-school, respectful approach—greeting everyone personally, participating in setting up and breaking down the ring, and attending every show, regardless of whether one was wrestling that night.
Jax also learned skills beyond wrestling, such as making ring announcements and keeping time during matches, skills that she notes are not always embraced by the modern generation of talent. Driven by her Type A personality, she has taken it upon herself to mentor and develop these abilities in others, ultimately growing more comfortable in her leadership role. After a two-year break, Jax returned to WWE in September 2023 and is currently competing on the WWE SmackDown brand.
If quoting any part of this article, please credit “Insight With Chris Van Vliet” by Wrestling Inc., which provided the transcription.
Fan Take: Nia Jax stepping up as a locker room leader highlights the importance of veteran presence in shaping WWE’s future stars and maintaining company culture. For fans, this means a richer backstage environment that could translate into stronger, more connected storylines and performances in the ring.
