Who is Kendal Grey? The 'Future' of WWE's Women Division Who Has The World Talking

Kendal Grey was a member of the WWE NIL (Next in Line) program, which led to her breaking onto NXT Level Up. But before this, during her childhood, she was involved in various sports, including soccer, gymnastics, and jiu-jitsu.

The 24-year-old opted to pursue amateur wrestling, and she shone, becoming the first female to qualify for boys' 4A state in Nevada. She was also a 2018 Fargo Runner-up and a runner-up at the 2018 Cadet World Team Trial.

It was clear she was set for a future in wrestling, having also been a 2018 USA High School Wrestler of the Year Finalist and a 2018 USA National Team member. She continued to make strides in the sport, including becoming a three-time NAIA champion for Life University and a 2023 finalist for the USA Women's Wrestler of the Year Award.

WWE pounced in early 2023, signing her up to the NIL program before her NXT debut arrived in March 2024 on an episode of Level Up. She picked up steam with a win over The Culling's Izzi Dame before making her on-screen debut in a defeat to Jaida Parker.

Grey's rise continued when she participated in Evolve's first match since WWE revived it and was on the winning side in a tag match. She then missed out on the Evolve Women's Championship in a fatal four-way but won the gold in October.

She defeated Kali Armstrong at Evolve: Succession (October 15) to win the title and start the first championship reign of her WWE career. But it shouldn't be too long until the Nevada-born rising star is a regular on NXT, and glowing verdicts from high-profile names suggest Triple H might not be able to be patient before giving the green light for a main roster move.

"The Future" - What The World is Saying About Kendal Grey

Kendal Grey has already garnered plenty of interest at the very start of her career, including from higher-ups in WWE. It's thought that she is one talent WWE officials are "very high on for the future", per Bodyslam.

It is expected that she will be showcased among the new group of talent to feature in the NXT women's division. That could spark battles with the likes of NXT Women's North American Champion Blake Monroe and former champion Sol Ruca.

NXT commentator Vic Joseph waxed lyrical about Grey after she successfully defended the Evolve Women's Championship against Lash Legend. He said:

"She could indeed be the future. The same way we talk about Je'von Evans. The same way we talk about Leon Slater, we could be talking about Kendal Grey in the same light."

Pro wrestling historian Dave Meltzer thinks she should already be on the main roster and that she warrants a big push. He said on the Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

"She’s great, she should get a big, big push. "She should be on the main roster and doing something now, not when she’s 30, now. She’s just got it."

Grey's in-ring style has earned comparisons with Kurt Angle, with one fan on Reddit stating:

"Closest thing we’ve seen to a Rule 63 Kurt Angle to date."

Another added:

"I legitimately think Kendal Grey has best women’s wrestler of all time potential."

Grey has downplayed those comparisons by humbly pointing out that unlike Angle she doesn't have a gold medal. But her stock is continuing to grow and she is one to watch on Tuesday nights with the spotlight shining brightly on the women's division.