As she continues to tiptoe the line between babyface and heel, Roxanne Perez has displayed an increased sense of aggression toward her opponents and on the microphone. However, it may not be enough to overcome the resilient “WWE NXT” Women’s Champion Lyra Valkyria, who defeated future WWE Hall of Famer Becky Lynch to win the title in October.

According to a survey raised to Wrestling Inc. staff, 57.1% percent of voters believe that Valkyria will retain the “NXT” Women’s Championship in her upcoming title match against Perez at “NXT” Vengeance Day. After winning a 20-woman battle royal to earn this title opportunity, Perez emphasized that she is not the same competitor she was a year ago, asserting that she is no longer “just happy to be here.” Perez feels that she is now reinvigorated (and coming with avengeance), with a specific aim of reclaiming the very title she technically never lost. Standing in her way, though, are a few notable obstacles.

Given that “NXT” already saw four rather short title reigns in 2023, it seems rather counterproductive for the brand to continue this trend by having Valkyria drop the “NXT” Women’s Championship just over three months into her reign. A loss in this title match may also prove to be more beneficial for Perez as it could potentially lead to a full-blown heel turn, and spark an intriguing rematch at “NXT”‘s biggest event of the year — Stand & Deliver.

Another factor to consider is the ever-growing clinginess and unpredictability of Tatum Paxley, who has become glaringly fixated on Valkyria to the point where she mercilessly planted Perez through a table. As her obsession with Valkyria continues to intensify, it is almost expected that Paxley will insert herself into this title match in some capacity, leaving Perez to likely fend off not one, but two adversaries.

Written by Ella Jay