Kendal Grey’s Meteoric Rise to NXT Championship Contention Signals New Era for WWE

A new star is poised to claim the top prize in WWE’s developmental brand. Kendal Grey will challenge Jacy Jayne for the NXT Women’s Championship on Tuesday, January 6. The high-stakes match headlines the New Year’s Evil special. It caps a remarkable year for the 24-year-old phenom.

Grey earned this title shot by winning the Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge at NXT Deadline. Her victory was endorsed by WWE legend John Cena. This rapid ascent highlights WWE’s successful cultivation of elite amateur wrestling talent.

From the Mat to the Squared Circle: Grey’s Unconventional Path

Kendal Grey, real name Peyton Prussin, did not follow a traditional path to WWE. She began her athletic career in gymnastics and soccer in Las Vegas. By age 11, she was training in jiu-jitsu, judo, and Muay Thai.

Her father suggested she try out for the high school wrestling team at 14. There was no girls’ team in Nevada at the time. She made the boys’ team at Arbor View High School and thrived.

Prussin became a multi-time High School All-American. She was the first girl to qualify for the Boys’ 4-A Nevada State Tournament. She then wrestled collegiately at Life University in Georgia.

She won three consecutive NAIA national championships. Despite her success, she planned to become a dermatologist after college. A connection with WWE star Julius Creed changed her trajectory.

Seizing the Opportunity and Defining a New Generation

Creed, a former collegiate wrestler at Duke, reached out after her second national title. He asked if she had considered WWE. He then connected her with company officials.

Prussin signed a WWE NIL deal in January 2023. She was the first female NAIA athlete in the program. She signed a full-time NXT contract soon after, debuting in early 2024.

Her amateur background accelerated her training. She captured the Evolve Women’s Championship in August 2025. Her blend of technical skill and charisma has quickly made her a standout.

Industry analysts note her main-roster readiness despite fewer than 100 matches. Grey remains focused on NXT and continuous improvement. She aims to enhance her promo skills and in-ring versatility in 2026.

Kendal Grey represents the modern WWE success story. Her journey from amateur standout to NXT title contender showcases the company’s evolving talent pipeline. A championship win could cement her as the brand’s new cornerstone.

A quick knowledge drop for you:

What is Kendal Grey’s real name and background?

Her real name is Peyton Prussin. She is a former NAIA national champion wrestler from Life University. Before WWE, she was a standout on her high school boys’ wrestling team in Nevada.

How did Kendal Grey get signed by WWE?

She was recruited through the WWE NIL program after a recommendation from Raw Superstar Julius Creed. He connected her with WWE scouts following her collegiate wrestling success.

What championship does Kendal Grey currently hold?

Kendal Grey is the reigning Evolve Women’s Champion. She won the title in August 2025. This secondary title reign established her as a top contender in NXT.

How did she earn an NXT Women’s Title shot?

She won the Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge at the NXT Deadline event in December 2025. The match victory, endorsed by John Cena, granted her a championship opportunity against Jacy Jayne.

Is Kendal Grey being considered for the WWE main roster?

Some industry observers believe she has the skills for the main roster already. Grey herself states she is focused on NXT and believes the call-up will happen naturally when the time is right.