Decorated independent wrestler. Former ‘Joker’ in AEW. A former biggest free agent in pro wrestling. Now, potentially, future #1 contender for the NXT Women’s Championship? As confirmed by Ryan Satin on the Satin Sheet segment on WWE Backstage last night, the recently signed Mercedes Martinez will be the last name added to the big #1 contenders battle royal that will take place on tonight’s edition of NXT on USA.
Rhea Ripley, the current NXT Women’s Champion defeated Shayna Baszler back on the December 18th episode of NXT. Since then she’s already had a line of challengers. They include an upcoming bout with her former NXT UK rival, Toni Storm, at Worlds Collide 2020.
Martinez, the former SHIMMER champion, will join the field of superstars. They include; Bianca Belair, Candice LeRae, Chelsea Green, Dakota Kai, Vanessa Borne, Kayden Carter, Mia Yim, Santana Garrett, and Io Shirai. This promises to be one of the biggest women’s matches in NXT history.
Tune in tonight on NXT at 8/7c to see who becomes Ripley’s next challenger.
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Caul’s Call
Wow. Right off the bat, WWE has made Martinez signing that big of a deal throwing her into this match. I said this during my post on her signing that Mercedes should be touted as a big coup for WWE especially when she was fresh off an AEW appearance. Putting her towards the top is perfect especially when there’s a high chance NXT will be losing Baszler to either RAW or Smackdown soon. While the former SHIMMER great is older than most recruits, she automatically becomes one of the most experienced stars on the black and gold brand.
I expect a nice run in NXT, which should include an NXT Women’s Championship run, and become one of WWE’s staples as a coach and add to an already deep training staff for many years to come. Mercedes Martinez’ inclusion in the Women’s Battle Royal will be a treat.
