Imagine being a top wrestler, ready to make your Royal Rumble debut, only to be hidden away like a secret weapon for nearly a week. That’s exactly what happened to NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne during her 2026 Royal Rumble journey in Saudi Arabia. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: her experience wasn’t just about the match—it was a behind-the-scenes battle to get her gear approved by WWE corporate, and the restrictions were anything but ordinary.
Jayne entered the Royal Rumble at the number 24 spot, showcasing her skills for 16 minutes before being eliminated by fellow NXT star Sol Ruca. In a candid conversation with Bully Ray on Busted Open After Dark (https://www.siriusxm.com/player/episode-audio/episode-audio/7088ba7f-01cc-89b8-c5ba-e56eed2ab2ee?utm_medium=shared), she revealed the unusual lead-up to the event. “We were surprises, so we couldn’t risk being seen,” she explained. “We were basically confined to the hotel for almost a week, only allowed to move within its walls—no stepping out, no sightseeing, just waiting for the big reveal.”
But here’s where it gets controversial: In Saudi Arabia, cultural norms dictate that women wrestlers cannot show skin below the neck. This meant Jayne’s signature gear had to be completely reimagined. “They wanted a full bodysuit—no exposed arms, no legs, nothing suggestive,” she shared. The process wasn’t straightforward; it required submitting designs to WWE corporate for approval, and even then, rejections were common.
Her first design—a red bodysuit with chains, inspired by her regular gear—was shot down. “They said, ‘No red, no chains, no black straps,’” Jayne recalled. When asked about the red restriction, she speculated, “I think it was because The Bella Twins were wearing red. I never asked, but I’m happy to let them shine. I’m here to do my job.” And this is the part most people miss: these restrictions weren’t just about modesty—they were about navigating cultural sensitivities while staying true to the WWE brand.
The real challenge, though, came in the ring. The approved bodysuit was so tight and restrictive that it hindered her performance. “I felt like I was suffocating,” she admitted. “I couldn’t move freely—even something as simple as a superkick felt like a struggle. I was constantly fighting the suit, worrying my moves wouldn’t look right.”
Looking ahead, the rivalry between Jayne and Sol Ruca is far from over. After eliminating Jayne in the Rumble, Ruca is set to challenge her for the NXT Women’s Championship on 2/24. Will Jayne’s experience in Saudi Arabia impact her performance? And how do wrestlers balance cultural expectations with their signature styles? These questions spark debates that go beyond the ring—and we want to hear your thoughts. Do you think WWE’s gear restrictions go too far, or are they a necessary part of global wrestling? Let us know in the comments!
H/T to Fightful for the transcriptions.
