A generational clash; Walking a similar path - 5 dream opponents for Roxanne Perez on WWE's main roster
In just over two and a half years as a member of NXT, Roxanne Perez has proven to be one of the most complete performers on WWE's third brand. For that reason, she’s held the NXT Wmen’s Championship twice, including her current run.
She’s faced several of WWE's NIL signings - stars from college athletics instead of the independent scene - as champion. Her next match is a defense against the larger Jaida Parker at NXT No Mercy.
If she dispatches Parker, it’s very possible that international stars Guilia or Stephanie Vaquer could make their NXT debut.
Should that level of competition arrive in NXT, Perez may be moving onto the main roster soon. When she does, the next five matches await her on RAW and SmackDown.
#5. Asuka is one of WWE's most decorated women
Asuka is called The Empress of Tomorrow and Perez is the future. Asuka has done it all in WWE, from winning every title to winning a Royal Rumble and a Money in the Bank case.
Perez has many years ahead of her and could one day match Asuka's accomplishments. Before she does, however, The Prodigy will have to prove that she can hang with one of the most technically sound women in the business.
Asuka forces everyone to up their game so seeing a star whose game is already clean would make for a technical masterpiece.
#4. Roxanne Perez has name-dropped The Queen in promos
Like Roxanne Perez, Charlotte Flair is a two-time NXT Women's Champion. The two had different journeys to each title win but are in rare company regarding women with more than one reign with the belt.
The Prodigy has been very arrogant and outspoken in promos lately. In one such promo, she name-dropped The Queen as someone whose accomplishments she wanted to eclipse.
A potential showdown would be another case of the past meeting the future. Flair has been heavily pushed as one of the top women in the industry. Perez has been pushed hard in NXT. The pairing would be a clash of generations.
#3. Perez could follow IYO SKY's path on the main roster
IYO SKY is a hybrid performer who can mix mat-based offense with high-flying moves. She's quick in the ring and has a fluidity that few other stars possess.
In her two years on the main roster, SKY has won the WWE Women's Title, tag team gold, and Money in the Bank. She could even be one of the favorites to win the 2025 Royal Rumble.
Perez has likely studied many current and former stars. Since SKY will be a future opponent, she'll likely want to top what The Genius of the Sky has done.
#2. The EST of WWE is a challenge for any opponent
Like Flair, Bianca Belair is one of the top women in WWE. Both women are always in the title picture, if not holding gold. Perez has done the same in NXT but has done so as both a face and a villain.
Perez is more proficient on the mat and with submissions while Belair would easily overpower the smaller Prodigy. It would come down to who makes the best move or counter to determine the victor.
Something would have to give when The EST of WWE faces The Prodigy. Both consider themselves the best, but that would truly be put to the test in a dream match.
#1. Bayley has had a rollercoaster of a career in WWE
When Bayley started in NXT, she was a fun-loving, bubbly face who was always happy. She was the epitome of a hero but was seen as naive to how the wrestling business worked. Perez had a similar start as a young fan-turned-wrestler whose first character was a lovable face.
While she won the NXT Women's Title in that guise, The Prodigy also learned a lot more about the business, the fans, and herself. Some people only care about you when you're on top and leave you when you are not.
Bayley is now a face again and can use that journey as advice in a dream match with Perez. The former WWE Women's Champ had the same truth-seeking mission as a heel but rode that learning experience to a redemption song in 2024.