NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne has witnessed the evolution of WWE’s NXT brand firsthand, from her early days training under the “Black & Gold” era to becoming a prominent figure in the current “NXT 2.0” phase. In a conversation with The Takedown on SI, she shared her thoughts on how swiftly the brand’s identity shifted following her debut, noting that she barely spent any time on the original “Black & Gold” before the company transitioned to the revamped version.
Jayne described the change as almost instantaneous and mentioned that while her wrestling debut technically occurred during the “Black & Gold” era, she primarily grew within the “2.0” environment, which introduced her to wrestling on television. She observed that many of the athletes featured in “2.0” were inexperienced, often performing just their fifth or sixth match on TV, signifying a period of experimentation and growth for the brand. Jayne also emphasized how “NXT 2.0” placed a stronger emphasis on character development, contrasting it with the earlier focus on established independent wrestlers known for their high-caliber matches. She remarked that the shift moved the spotlight toward lesser-known talents, shaping the brand’s new direction.
If quoting, please attribute to “The Takedown on SI” and credit Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
Fan Take: This insight from Jacy Jayne highlights a pivotal era in NXT’s history, giving fans a rare look at the behind-the-scenes transition that shaped today’s product. Understanding how NXT evolved to prioritize character and fresh talent helps fans appreciate the brand’s current direction and its potential to redefine wrestling storytelling.
