15 Exact Moments Failed WWE Gimmicks Actually Got Over

4. Nia Jax

Nia Jax Becky Lynch
WWE.com

When Nia Jax made her permanent WWE return, on September 11, 2023, the wider reaction was of bemusement. 

Triple H had already re-signed many NXT acts, none of whom were wanted by AEW. None of them got over on the main roster, either. This disastrous transfer window was widely mocked online, with Triple H depicted as Thanos collecting stones for his Infinity Gauntlet. AEW will be snapped out of existence as soon as Emma wins the Infinity War!

Nia Jax was the worst of the lot because she was one of the worst wrestlers in the world twice over during her original run. A clumsy superheavyweight who could only scan as a monster when Bayey or Ronda Rousey dragged her into a good match, she was subjectively bad - but her terrifying record of hurting opponents made her objectively, definitionally bad, since the primary objective is to protect one’s dance partner. Then, on January 1, 2024, Nia got good. 

She defeated Becky Lynch on the Day 1 special of Raw. The match was a staggering bit of business; Lynch sold brilliantly well, but she was so convincing because Nia was on top form as a dynamic powerhouse. Nia played a monster who could only be stopped when she was too ferocious in her hunt - as articulated by an awesome spot in which she spiked her head after a failed cannonball to the barricade. 

Nia eventually reverted to form, playing a significant role in a few televised disasters in 2025, but she was a stunningly effective territory-style heel for a year or so. She headlined Elimination Chamber 2024 against Rhea Ripley in front of 50,000 fans. Given how reckless she was and the sheer volume of dumb sh*t that has left her mouth, it would be equally shocking if Ryback was in the main event of SummerSlam 2026.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!