WWE NXT Superstars are looking forward to future Royal Rumble events after an edict banning their participation in the titular Rumble matches was lifted.
For the 2022 Royal Rumble event, a rule was implemented that banned any gold brand talent from competing in either the Men’s or Women’s Royal Rumble matches.
The belief was that since NXT had just become a developmental ground once more, it made no sense for these ‘rookies’ to receive a shot at headlining WrestleMania.
That ban was lifted this year, with Zoey Stark, Indi Hartwell, and NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez competing in the Women’s Rumble.
While not a Superstar, NXT commentator and two-time WWE Hall of Famer Booker T had a brief run in the Men’s Rumble match.
When Fightful Select reached out to NXT talent, they were said to be overjoyed that the ban on gold brand Superstars is a thing of the past.
This year’s Rumble is being considered a huge success backstage, especially compared to last year’s event, where morale was said to have been at an all-time low.
Cody Rhodes and Rhea Ripley (a former NXT Women’s Champion) won the Men’s and Women’s Rumbles, and will challenge Roman Reigns and Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 39.
