Look, the WWE Performance Center in Orlando is basically a factory. But lately, it’s felt more like a pressure cooker. If you haven't been keeping up since the ball dropped on 2026, the WWE NXT women's roster just underwent a massive, earthquake-level shift that basically reset the entire board.
Everyone talks about the main roster call-ups. And yeah, losing Jordynne Grace and Lash Legend to the "big leagues" hurts. It leaves a massive hole in the power dynamic. But honestly? The idea that NXT is "depleted" right now is just flat-out wrong.
The Jacy Jayne Era: More Than Just a Holding Pattern
Let's get real about Jacy Jayne. For a long time, people saw her as the "other" member of Toxic Attraction. Then she was the veteran presence helping the newer girls. But right now? She is the undisputed anchor of the WWE NXT women's roster.
At New Year’s Evil 2026, she put on an absolute clinic against Kendal Grey. It wasn't just a win; it was a statement. While rumors are swirling about her finally moving to Raw or SmackDown—and God knows she’s earned it after five years—she’s currently the most polished heel the brand has. Her work with Fatal Influence (Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid) has given the division a much-needed "big bad" energy that was missing after Roxanne Perez moved up.
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A lot of fans thought Kendal Grey would take the title. After all, she won the 2025 Iron Survivor Challenge and she’s the Evolve Women’s Champion. But WWE is playing the long game here. Grey is incredibly young, and keeping the belt on Jayne keeps the stakes high for whenever the "homegrown" talent finally breaks through.
The Mid-Card Chaos: Izzi Dame and the North American Title
If you want to see where the real growth is, look at the NXT Women’s North American Championship. This belt is barely two years old, but it’s already become the workhorse title.
Izzi Dame just pulled off the heist of the century at New Year’s Evil. Thea Hail—who, by the way, is still only 22 despite being in NXT for what feels like a decade—was supposed to defend against Blake Monroe. Then Monroe went absolutely feral and jumped her before the bell.
- The Result: A battered Thea Hail tried to be a hero.
- The Twist: Izzi Dame cashed in on an open challenge.
- The Reality: We have a new champ who represents the "powerhouse" side of the Performance Center.
It’s a smart move. Dame hasn't always had the spotlight, but her recent work with "The Culling" has given her an edge. Plus, having Tatum Paxley lurking in the background—fresh off her own win over Dame earlier that same night—creates a messy, three-way rivalry that is going to carry the winter months.
Who is actually on the roster right now?
It’s easy to lose track when people are moving between NXT, TNA, and the main roster. If you’re looking at the active TV roster as of January 2026, here is the core group:
The veterans like Jacy Jayne and Fallon Henley are the glue. They’re the ones making sure the matches don't fall apart. Then you have the "super-athletes" like Sol Ruca and Kelani Jordan. Honestly, Sol Ruca might be the most "main roster ready" person in the building. Her match against Bayley at Saturday Night’s Main Event last month proved she can hang with legends. Her athleticism is frankly terrifying.
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Then you have the newcomers from Evolve and the indie scene:
- Kendal Grey: The technical wizard.
- Carlee Bright: Pure energy.
- Karmen Petrovic: Bringing that sword-fighting aesthetic that shouldn't work but somehow does.
- Zaria: The powerhouse backup for Sol Ruca.
The "Main Roster" Problem
There is a weird tension right now. You’ve got people like Lola Vice who are clearly "too big" for the small stage of the Capitol Wrestling Center. Vice has been killing it in AAA, and the rumors say she’s SmackDown-bound any day now.
But when you move Lola Vice, and you move Sol Ruca, and you move Jacy Jayne... who is left?
That’s what most people get wrong. They think the cupboard is bare. But look at Tatum Paxley. She has spent years playing the "creepy" character, but she has quietly become one of the best in-ring workers on the WWE NXT women's roster. Her "Psycho Trap" finisher is over as hell. She’s the perfect example of the NXT system working exactly how it should: take a cheerleader/powerlifter and turn her into a nuanced character.
Why 2026 is Different
In the past, NXT was just a school. Now, with the CW deal and the Netflix era of WWE kicking off, the brand has to stand on its own. They can’t just be a developmental territory; they have to be a third brand.
This is why you see Blake Monroe being treated like a massive deal. She came in with a big reputation from the indies and AEW, and they didn't waste time putting her in high-stakes matches. Her rivalry with Jordynne Grace was arguably the best women's feud of 2025, culminating in that weaponized steel cage match that people are still talking about.
Monroe is the "bridge" talent. She brings the intensity of a veteran but the fresh face of a newcomer. Watching her transition into a more "WWE style" has been fascinating. She’s leaner, faster, and her promos have become much more targeted.
What to Watch For Next
If you're trying to figure out where this is all going, keep your eyes on the road to Stand & Deliver in Las Vegas.
The division is currently split into two camps. You have the "Fatal Influence" faction trying to gatekeep the top, and a group of "Hungry Rebels" like Kendal Grey and Thea Hail trying to take it back.
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Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts:
- Watch the Evolve crossovers: WWE is using the Evolve brand (and their show on the WWE Network/Peacock) to test out personalities before they hit NXT TV. If a girl is winning there, she’s coming for a title in Orlando soon.
- Monitor the injury list: With the "no-off-season" schedule, several top stars like Nikkita Lyons have had stop-and-start runs. The depth of the roster depends entirely on whether the mid-card can stay healthy.
- Pay attention to the North American Title: It is currently more prestigious than the main title because it’s being defended more often. Izzi Dame’s reign will define the "B-show" power for the next six months.
The WWE NXT women's roster isn't just a list of names; it’s a living, breathing ecosystem. It loses its best parts to Raw and SmackDown every six months, yet it always seems to find a new gear. Whether it's Sol Ruca's gravity-defying moves or Jacy Jayne's masterclass in heel work, the division is currently the most exciting thing in developmental.
Next Steps for the Deep Dive:
To get the most out of your NXT viewing experience, start tracking the win-loss records of the Evolve talent. Often, a "surprise" debut on NXT is telegraphed weeks in advance by who is being protected on the smaller shows. Also, keep an eye on the official WWE Performance Center social channels; they often post "combine" results that reveal who the coaches (like Sara Amato and Fit Finlay) are actually high on behind the scenes.