Money in the Bank Highlights NXT’s Influence

The Money in the Bank event is shaping up with a lineup of significant matches and notable WWE superstars. Among the more than twenty wrestlers scheduled to compete, one aspect that really jumps out is the representation from the NXT brand.

NXT serves as WWE’s developmental platform. It gives newcomers the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of professional wrestling, whether it be through in-ring training or on the television side of things, before they potentially move up to the Raw or SmackDown brands.

Nearly all participants on the card have honed their skills in NXT. The exceptions are Roman Reigns, who began his career in Florida Championship Wrestling—sort of a precursor to NXT—and CM Punk, who earned his stripes in independent circuits before joining WWE’s Ohio Valley Wrestling. Penta, too, skipped NXT, having achieved legendary status in Mexico before making his mark in the U.S.

The rest, however, spent time in NXT, where their matches take place at the WWE Performance Center. The focus on this card emphasizes WWE’s success in cultivating future superstars through NXT.

“The Performance Center is a really unique environment,” said Jacy Jayne, the women’s U.S. champion, in an interview. “They have, without a doubt, the best coaching staff around. It’s a space where everyone can find guidance specific to their needs. Sure, sometimes it can feel like there are too many opinions, but you really get to learn your craft—how to speak, how to feel confident, and even how to handle being in front of the cameras.”

“They definitely set you up for success. I mean, it might take longer than some people expect, and yeah, sticking to a routine can be challenging, but if you really pay attention and put in the effort, it pays off eventually.”

On Tuesday nights, NXT attracts hundreds of thousands of viewers, along with a steady stream of followers on social media.

Given the plethora of superstars who’ve emerged from NXT and transcended into major figures in sports entertainment, one might wonder if there’s something special about the training provided there.

Jayne seemed to agree somewhat.

“There are so many experienced individuals involved—people who have been through NXT and those who have been wrestlers or worked behind the scenes,” she noted. “Every day at the Performance Center brings an array of classes and opportunities to improve, whether it’s ring work or other activities. It’s like a well-oiled machine, continuously producing new talent.”

Jayne will compete in the Money in the Bank ladder match alongside fellow wrestlers like Lola Vice, Tiffany Stratton, Sol Ruca, Lash Legend, and Roxanne Perez.

Meanwhile, Joe Hendry, a former NXT champion who made his way to WWE from TNA, won’t be part of the Money in the Bank event. Instead, he’s focused on his new album called “Beyond Belief.”

In a separate interview, Hendry expressed his appreciation for the role NXT played in preparing him for the next level. “NXT was a vital resource for me. It allowed for a quick acclimatization to how WWE operates. I was proud to be NXT champion—it was a significant achievement for me,” he said.

“When I joined WWE, I wasn’t required to be at the Performance Center every day; I could’ve just shown up for events. But I chose to attend classes and participate in gym sessions and nutrition workshops. I engaged in every opportunity available, and I believe that was crucial for my personal development and career trajectory,” Hendry continued. “Now, seeing how many superstars are being called up from NXT reinforces the effectiveness of this system.”

The upcoming Money in the Bank event is a reminder that if you dedicate yourself fully to professional wrestling, you could genuinely transform your aspirations into reality.

Ultimately, while some might view NXT merely as a stepping stone, it is, in essence, a gateway to greater possibilities for many aspiring wrestlers.