Roxanne Perez, a rising force in WWE, harbors ambitions that reach beyond the current roster, dreaming of clashes with wrestling legends. Her mind races with possibilities, envisioning a showdown with AJ Lee, a childhood idol who recently returned to the ring after a decade away.
The connection runs deeper – AJ Lee is married to CM Punk, another name at the top of Roxanne’s wish list. She playfully admits to relentlessly teasing AJ about a match, stating, “I can’t retire until I have a match with you.” The desire isn’t just professional; it’s a deeply personal goal she’s actively manifesting.
But if AJ Lee isn’t available, Roxanne has a backup plan. With a mischievous grin, she declares her intention to challenge CM Punk relentlessly, playfully dubbing it “Pop Rox CM Punk as much as I can!” Her confidence and playful spirit are quickly becoming hallmarks of her persona.
Remarkably, Roxanne’s talent has already earned the respect of established stars like John Cena. During his recent farewell tour, Cena specifically requested a match with her, a gesture that left Roxanne stunned. She recalls the moment as something she “never thought” would happen.
The match at Survivor Series saw Roxanne and Raquel Rodriguez involved with Cena, even delivering signature moves to the 17-time world champion. She laughs, admitting her initial hesitation about a smaller wrestler executing a finisher on such a legend, but Cena was enthusiastically on board.
Roxanne’s journey began early, training at just 13 years old and signing with Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling at 16. Entering the independent wrestling scene as a teenager presented challenges, navigating a world of seasoned veterans and questioning her own experience.
She describes those early days as “sink or swim” situations, a trial by fire that ultimately forged her resilience. Shawn Michaels recognized her potential, making her NXT’s champion before her 21st birthday, a testament to her undeniable skill.
Roxanne feels a sense of pride in paving the way for other young stars, acknowledging the rising talent of Je’Von Evans, Leon Slater, and Kendall Gray. She also draws inspiration from Jenna Ortega, the 23-year-old star of Wednesday, admiring her success and hoping for a potential tag team opportunity.
Her performance in the 2025 Royal Rumble, lasting an impressive one hour, seven minutes, and 47 seconds, solidified her place as a force to be reckoned with. Finishing as runner-up to Charlotte Flair, Roxanne proved she could compete with the very best.
“My goal was always just to prove to everybody and to show younger people that it’s possible, regardless of age,” she explains. WWE’s recognition of her potential feels validating, confirming the belief she’s always held in herself.
Looking ahead, Roxanne is excited to return to the UK for the Road to Royal Rumble Tour, and she’s proud of the direction WWE is heading. She believes the promotion is embracing a new generation of talent, and she’s eager to be at the forefront of that change.
For Roxanne Perez, it’s about more than just winning championships; it’s about proving that age is no barrier to achieving your dreams and inspiring others to do the same. She’s stepping into the ring with the best, holding her own, and shaping the future of WWE.
