Blake Monroe: Why she chose NXT over the main roster.

Strategic Play: Why Blake Monroe Chose NXT Over The Main Roster

​In a move that raised a few eyebrows after her high-profile signing, Blake Monroe made a conscious choice to land in NXT rather than skipping straight to Raw or SmackDown.

While many new acquisitions are often fast-tracked to the main roster, Monroe recently explained that her decision was purely strategic, aimed at giving her the best chance possible to succeed against the industry's biggest stars.

Monroe pointed directly to the competitive landscape of the main roster and the sheer star power of its champions and headliners.

​"The amount of TV equity that Bianca Belair, Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair—they have millions of followers, all this TV equity, I know I can go toe-to-toe with them, but I feel like, why wouldn't I go to NXT?" Monroe questioned.

Acknowledging that the mainstream WWE Universe may not be entirely familiar with her previous body of work, Monroe is using the black and gold brand as a launchpad for brand establishment. Her goal is not just to participate in NXT, but to own it entirely.

​"Continue to build my brand, continue to introduce the WWE Universe, who may know me, probably don't—I don't think any of these kids would know me or anything—tell them who I am, and also make NXT my brand, because I truly feel like I am doing that and can do that."

​Beyond television exposure and fan recognition, Monroe emphasized the unparalleled developmental resources available to her, specifically citing the opportunity to work with legendary figures behind the scenes.

​"Why wouldn't I take that opportunity, get that TV equity, build myself in WWE, use the resources, be able to talk to Shawn Michaels and Matt Bloom and all these amazing coaches, learn and grow," she detailed.

​For Monroe, this isn't about avoiding the spotlight; it's about preparation. By leveling up her game in NXT, she believes she will be perfectly positioned to challenge the established "juggernauts" when she eventually makes the jump.

​"So when I do go to the main roster and I'm going against these juggernauts, I really have the best chance possible to succeed," Monroe concluded. "Because they are huge stars, so I've gotta build myself a little."

​Monroe’s explanation highlights a calculated approach to her career, viewing NXT not as a stepping stone, but as a crucial finishing school required to transition from a great wrestler to a main event WWE Superstar.

Kimster AFW