How Long WWE Planned Giulia’s NXT No Mercy Debut

Giulia made her NXT debut against Roxanne Perez at NXT No Mercy on Sunday. This marked her official entry into the brand, with her focus clearly set on Perez as she interrupted her victory celebration.

Ahead of the show, a rehearsal was conducted with a producer and stock music standing in for Giulia. This was a shift from NXT’s usual approach of using Shawn Michaels for surprise appearances.

According to Fightful Select, while “Gloria” was an option for Giulia’s theme music, it was never strongly considered, and a new theme was created for her debut. The heavy fog and dimmed lights were intended to extend the surprise, with the absence of a tron until Giulia emerged from the fog. The secrecy around her debut was high, with NXT sources not seeing her until just before the finish of Roxanne Perez vs. Jaida Parker.

Plans for a Giulia vs. Roxanne Perez match date back to NXT Stand And Deliver, where Giulia was seen in the crowd before Perez’s title win over Lyra Valkyria. It’s unclear if Roxanne was aware of Giulia’s appearance beforehand, but there’s speculation she may have been kept in the dark. When asked if anyone else was considered for the mystery spot, sources confirmed that no other names were seriously considered.

Giulia’s start date with NXT was set for No Mercy, allowing her to complete her Marigold dates, including a final match against anyone who wanted to face her. Sources within NXT indicated there was no negative reaction to her extending her time with Marigold, and her peers in Japan were reportedly pleased to see her on a major US stage. Within NXT, there was excitement about her joining the roster and enhancing the women’s division.

Sources suggest that Giulia vs. Perez may occur at the Chicago CW debut, though she might also wrestle on NXT before then. There’s minimal concern about Giulia adjusting her style, with earlier worries about her being “too stiff” dismissed when she signed in April.

Giulia is expected to appear on tonight’s NXT edition for her TV debut. As reported in April, she is anticipated to be a top star as WWE transitions to The CW.

We’ll have to see how Giulia performs in NXT and what impact her debut at No Mercy will have on her WWE career.

What are your thoughts on Giulia’s debut in WWE NXT? Do you think she’s set for big things in WWE? Share your thoughts in the comments!