Ruby Riott would begin her journey to WWE in 2010. Following extremely successful stints at JCW, OVW, Chikara and beyond, Riott would get the nod for a WWE deal in January of 2017. Her work ethic in other promotions clearly translated quickly to WWE’s developmental territory as within two months, she was working NXT TV tapings; which naturally is an incredible turn-around to get a new talent from the Performance Center onto NXT TV in under eight calendar weeks.

Riott is slowly but surely attaining a loyal and supportive fan base of WWE fans. This support has come from seeing Riott’s obvious commitment and dedication to better herself (and others) in-side the ring. It’s natural that this support also comes from seeing Riott’s outside the ring appearances; Riott comes across very natural and friendly towards fans and media outlets alike, so in-turn fans are starting to connect with Riott. 

Looking particularly different to every other woman on the roster goes in her favour in the short and long term, too.
Female and male fans who have body art and piercings will naturally look up to Riott based on her punk-rock style. WWE management will also see this as an advantage from a marketing perspective; Riott will stand-out (in the best way possible) on TV and any promotional material that follows. This in-turn will mean that Riott’s image and style will become foundational to WWE’s marketing and consequently will help Riott get more TV time and more opportunities outside of the ring.
Riott would make her TV debut in March, cementing herself in a feud with Nikki Cross’ Sanity; this would lead to Riott making her NXT Takeover debut at Takeover: Orlando. NXT management placing Riott into a major match at a Takeover just a couple of months into her tenure was naturally a huge endorsement that they have big plans for her moving forward. Riott would go on following the Nikki Cross feud, would receive the opportunity to compete for Asuka’s prestigious NXT Title at Takeover: Chicago.
Riott would compete against the aforementioned Asuka and her arch rival in NXT, Cross. Riott would spend the remaining months of 2017 having short TV feuds with the likes of Cross, Asuka and Sonya Deville, all before getting the chance to shine on the main roster in November of last year. Riott’s NXT run whilst brief, clearly was fundamental in Riott getting the call-up; WWE clearly saw something in her in order to make the decision to call her up after a short period in NXT. This premature call-up is a confirmation and testament to Riott’s work ethic and determination to be at the top of the female division in WWE.
On the SmackDown Live following Survivor Series, Riott alongside fellow NXT talents Sarah Logan and Liv Morgan made their main roster debuts. Riott was placed as leader of the trio, and they would collectively be known as ‘The Riott Squad’. The call-up of Riott was met with heavy criticism (by me included), who wondered if the 27-year-old would be able to adjust accordingly.
Riott would make her TV debut in March, cementing herself in a feud with Nikki Cross’ Sanity; this would lead to Riott making her NXT Takeover debut at Takeover: Orlando. NXT management placing Riott into a major match at a Takeover just a couple of months into her tenure was naturally a huge endorsement that they have big plans for her moving forward. Riott would go on following the Nikki Cross feud, would receive the opportunity to compete for Asuka’s prestigious NXT Title at Takeover: Chicago.
Riott would compete against the aforementioned Asuka and her arch rival in NXT, Cross. Riott would spend the remaining months of 2017 having short TV feuds with the likes of Cross, Asuka and Sonya Deville, all before getting the chance to shine on the main roster in November of last year. Riott’s NXT run whilst brief, clearly was fundamental in Riott getting the call-up; WWE clearly saw something in her in order to make the decision to call her up after a short period in NXT. This premature call-up is a confirmation and testament to Riott’s work ethic and determination to be at the top of the female division in WWE.
On the SmackDown Live following Survivor Series, Riott alongside fellow NXT talents Sarah Logan and Liv Morgan made their main roster debuts. Riott was placed as leader of the trio, and they would collectively be known as ‘The Riott Squad’. The call-up of Riott was met with heavy criticism (by me included), who wondered if the 27-year-old would be able to adjust accordingly.