Jacy Jayne's Royal Rumble Journey: Unveiling the Struggles of Corporate Approval
Jacy Jayne, the NXT Women's Champion, made her mark at the 2026 Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia, entering as the number 24 contender. Her 16-minute bout, however, ended with her elimination by fellow NXT roster member Sol Ruca. In a recent interview with Bully Ray on Busted Open After Dark, Jayne revealed the intriguing process of getting her gear approved by WWE corporate, shedding light on the challenges faced by women's wrestlers in the industry.
Jayne's Experience: Hidden Surprises and Corporate Constraints
Jayne shared that she and the other surprise entrants were secluded in a hotel for nearly a week before the event. This secrecy was crucial to maintaining the element of surprise. Despite the excitement, she had to adhere to strict guidelines set by WWE corporate. Jayne explained, "We flew to Saudi but weren't allowed to explore freely. We were surprises, and we didn't want to give away our presence. So, we stayed hidden in the hotel for a week, though not just in our rooms. I could go downstairs to work out and eat."
Bodysuit Approval: A Complex Process
One of the most intriguing aspects of Jayne's experience was the approval process for her bodysuit. WWE corporate had strict rules regarding what women's wrestlers could wear. Jayne recounted, "You couldn't show arms or legs. They wanted a full-body suit with no suggestive elements. It was odd because you had to request approval. I had to have my seamstress create a design, which corporate then reviewed. My initial design, a red bodysuit with chains, was rejected. They said no to red, chains, and black straps."
The Reason Behind the Restrictions
When asked about the rejection of her red bodysuit, Jayne humorously suggested, "I think it was because The Bella Twins were there and wore red. I never asked why, and it's fine. I'll let The Bella Twins do their job. I'm happy to support them."
Challenges of Competing in the Bodysuit
Jayne's frustration with the bodysuit was evident. She explained, "The bodysuit was incredibly tight, almost suffocating. It restricted my movement in the ring. I struggled to throw a superkick, feeling like I couldn't lift my leg. It was a constant battle against the bodysuit."
Ruca's Challenge and Future Anticipation
Jayne's elimination by Sol Ruca in the Rumble has set the stage for an upcoming championship challenge. Ruca will face Jayne for the NXT Women's Championship on February 24th. The anticipation for this match is high, and fans are eager to see how Jayne's experiences with corporate approval and gear restrictions will influence her future performances.