Less than a year removed from her “WWE NXT” television debut, Lainey Reid received a call up to the main roster alongside Fallon Henley and Jacy Jayne, with “WWE SmackDown” designated as their new home. For Reid, the move itself came with some mixed feelings.
Like most “NXT” stars, Reid long dreamed of making it to one of WWE’s top two brands. The timing of it, however, left her unable to fulfill many of her developmental ambitions.
“Honestly, it was a very bittersweet moment,” Reid told “Busted Open Radio.” “When you come into it NXT, that’s the goal initially. It’s like learn your job, do your job, make it to the big leagues. But in the same sense, I felt like there was so much, I’ve told Bully Ray this, there was so much in NXT that I missed the opportunity to do, that I wish I would have gotten to do. But also, it’s exciting, and I’ve kind of changed my mindset because it’s like I’m coming in fresh. These people don’t know a lot about me, and I like it that way. I don’t have expectations to live up to. I’m able to create my own story in a different way than anybody else has.”
Reid marked her official “NXT” TV debut on June 3, 2025, the same night former AEW star Blake Monroe made hers. Three months later, Fatal Influence then found themselves down a member due to the abrupt exit of Jazmyn Nyx; Reid joined the group, which still included Henley and Jayne, shortly after.
Following Jayne’s NXT Women’s Championship loss in April 2026, the trio put “NXT” in their rearview mirror and WWE’s blue brand in front of them. That led to their statement-making arrival, targeting the WWE Women’s Tag Team and Women’s Champions, later that same month.
If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit “Busted Open Radio” with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
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