In the spring of 2026, Blake Monroe received her official call-up to WWE’s main roster, with the SmackDown brand quickly designated as her new home. It wasn’t until five months later that the former NXT Women’s North American Champion got her first taste of SmackDown in-ring action, however.
During a new interview with Busted Open Radio, Monroe explained how injuries and other factors led to her delayed in-ring debut.
I think, obviously, SmackDown wanted me and they made a play for me. I do think injuries changed a lot of things and it’s just finding the right moment to debut someone like Blake Monroe. I’m not somebody that you just throw out there. I’m not somebody that will ever get lost in the shuffle. I’m not just the next girl. I’m the girl.
I think it was all about waiting for the right time, the right story, the right opponent to show that I’m not just a pretty face and a big character. I can actually go in the ring. And given that Giulia is one of the hardest headers on the roster, I think that was the correct opponent for me.
Monroe kicked off her main roster journey with a series of vignettes that took aim at several members of the SmackDown women’s division, including Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair, and Tiffany Stratton. She eventually fixed her attention solely on Giulia, launching a surprise attack on the former WWE Women’s United States Champion on June 26.
It took over three months for the two to formally clash, with Monroe emerging victorious in both their matches. In between, Monroe said she used her free time as an opportunity to learn how to boost herself higher on the card, specifically to the world title scene.
Blake Monroe is Ready For Her Close-Up | Busted Open WWE
