Secondary (or “Mid-Card”) Women’s Championships in WWE have been a talking point amongst wrestling fans for years now, and its hard to argue against it. More and more women are debuting in the company with nothing to do and nothing to fight for, their stories not given nearly as much focus and nuance as their male counterparts. Not everyone can fight for the world title, but unlike the men, the women were never given anything outside of tag titles to hold them over.
The value of secondary titles is one that has been proven over and over the decades since Professional Wrestling began, being used as showcases for talent on the cusp of main event status, but not quite ready to challenge the world champion. While various mid-card titles have been introduced in WWE over its long history for the men (to varying success), the women were always left in the cold. However, that has finally begun to change.
At NXT’s Stand and Deliver event this past Saturday, it was announced that a Women’s North American Championship was soon debuting for the brand. While a set date for the title’s introduction hasn’t been announced yet, the reveal was met with nearly universal acclaim by wrestling fans. Something sought after for so long is finally becoming a reality.
Since it’s inception in 2018, the Men’s North American Championship has been a highlight of NXT, with many of its champions going on to win the main NXT title, as well as having some of the best matches in the history of the company. Like the Intercontinental Championship on the Main Roster, the North American Championship gained a reputation as the “workhorse” title with some of the greatest workers in the history of the brand having been awarded with the belt.
Now it’s time for the women to get some of that same shine. With so many talented women on the roster right now, it was hard to narrow this list of potential candidates to just five. Here we go.
SOL RUCA
One of the fastest rising stars on the brand, Sol Ruca’s natural athleticism and charisma have made her a fan favorite in a relatively short amount of time, with her innovative “Sol Snatcher” finisher also making her a viral sensation.
Having just returned from a devastating leg injury, this new championship would be the perfect way to push Sol to that next level.
BLAIR DAVENPORT
Transitioning from the shining sun of NXT, to its dark moon, the woman who put Sol on the shelf would also be a good candidate to usher in this new championship. Despite being in NXT for a couple of years now, Blair has rarely had the chance to showcase her abilities to the fullest, feeling as though she’s just on the cusp of breaking into the main event scene.
An amazing in-ring performer and a consummate heel, Blair would be a great first choice as champion to show just how good she really is.
JACY JAYNE
Speaking of heels, there’s probably none better in NXT (and possibly the company as a whole) than Jacy Jayne. A mean girl through and through, Jacy was easily the highlight of the popular Toxic Attraction faction a couple of years ago. While coming up short against former stablemate Gigi Dolin in a relatively middling feud that elevated neither woman, Jacy managed to find new life when she was paired with the popular Chase U stable.
Now broken away from the shackles of Chase U and back to her manipulative ways, this new title would be a great way to inflate Jacy’s already bloated ego, as well as give her more spotlight to shine under.
KELANI JORDAN
Similar to Sol Ruca, Kelani Jordan is also a woman who has found herself among the favorites of NXT’s current crop of rookies. Her infectious smile and plucky attitude have gained her tons of support amongst the fans, and her performance in last years Women’s Breakout Tournament as well as the Iron Survivor Challenge at Deadline last December showed just how talented she is in the ring.
While she still has a lot to learn, this North American title would be a great stepping stone to help Kelani get that much closer to reaching her full potential.
GIULIA
Perhaps the odds on favorite, Giulia’s appearance in the crowd at Stand and Deliver confirmed months long speculation and rumors that the former World of STARDOM champion would be signing with WWE once she finished dates in her home country of Japan in May.
Giulia being crowned the first ever Women’s North American Champion would make an immediate statement, showing just how serious WWE is about pushing her as a big star, as well as continuing NXT’s tradition of showcasing joshi talents at their absolute best.
Giulia’s championship pedigree would also immediately establish the title as a key point of NXT, as well assembling a host of amazing matches to put Giulia’s amazing skills on display on the world stage.
Though her debut will more than likely happen after the first champion has already been crowned (and there hasn’t yet been an official announcement of her signing with WWE), there is no doubt that Giulia’s path will be laden with gold when she finally arrives in Orlando. It’s not IF she will win a title in NXT, but WHEN.
Time will tell just who will mark their name in history as the “First-Ever Women’s North American Champion”. But no matter who it may be, the future is once again looking bright for the women of NXT.