IMPACT Wrestling Was Interested In Signing Roxanne Perez

Roxanne Perez became an overnight sensation, dethroning one of the most dominant NXT Women’s champions in history, Mandy Rose to capture the gold. She was also perceived to become a top star in the industry, something that was seen by IMPACT Wrestling, who was reportedly interested in signing her at one point.

The former ROH Women’s champion started her pro wrestling training at 13-years-old under the guidance of WWE Hall of Famer Booker T at 16. After a successful run in Ring of Honor, she signed a developmental contract with WWE NXT in March 2022, debuting in a match against Sloane Jacobs on the April 15 episode of NXT Level Up.

Roxanne Perez achieved a lot of success in her short stint in NXT, winning the tag team titles with Cora Jade on one occasion and the NXT Women’s Breakout tournament. The current NXT Women’s champion was a top prospect since day one, however, it was revealed by wrestling legend Tommy Dreamer that IMPACT Wrestling was interested in bringing over Perez to their landscape. He spoke about this during the recent edition of Busted Open Radio.

“Which means he’s [Booker T] a great trainer. He really is because you saw that [Roxanne Perez winning the NXT Women’s Title]. Think about the ride that she’s had in one year. I believe she went into the year as the Ring of Honor Women’s Champion and she’s leaving , she worked IMPACT, had one hell of a match and we were like, ‘We wanna sign her’ but she was like, ‘I got a tryout with WWE.’ ‘Cool, go. Hopefully it works out’ and boom, she’s ending the year defeating Mandy Rose who had one hell of a reign. Congratulations to you. You reinvented your career, you reinvented your life, you made yourself have so much value and then, you know, for Roxanne Perez, what a great year. What a great book-end year. 

Advertising

Advertising

How it is with IMPACT, she was open and honest about, ‘Hey, I have a WWE tryout’ and everybody, ‘Cool, go. Hopefully it works out for you…’ It wasn’t like, no, stay with us. It’s [a] much different vibe than how the industry used to be. “

Roxanna Perez earned the NXT Women’s title opportunity by winning the Iron Survivor Challenge at NXT Deadline and ascended to the top of the mountain on the December 13 episode of NXT, defeating Mandy Rose to end her record-setting reign and winning her first-ever NXT Women’s championship.

Do you think Roxanna Perez would prove to be a great NXT Women’s champion? Sound off in the comments!