Who Will WWE’s GOAT Pick for NXT’s Women's Iron Survivor Challenge?

This upcoming Tuesday, NXT’s general manager, Ava, announced that WWE’s GOAT, John Cena, will pick the five men and women who will compete in the Iron Survivor Challenge at NXT Deadline. The biggest question that has arisen since the news broke is who Cena will pick for both men’s and women’s matches. There are plenty of deserving candidates, yet it comes down to one man’s decision. Who will be chosen for the Iron Survivor Challenge at Deadline?

Sol Ruca

After failing to win back her NXT Women’s North American Championship against Blake Monroe, it’s time for Sol Ruca to focus on the one piece of gold she hasn’t won yet in NXT, the NXT Women’s Championship. She had an incredible 2025, being a double champion with both the North American Championship and the Women’s Speed Championship, and her unusual friendship with Zaria has been one of the biggest storylines of this year. Ruca deserves her shot to be in the Iron Survivor Challenge and to face NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne at New Year’s Evil. While NXT storytelling would point to a bigger feud with Zaria down the line, especially since Zaria threw in the towel for Ruca at NXT Gold Rush, Ruca has been one of the top performers of the brand and should earn an opportunity at the title even if she fails to win it due to a decaying friendship with Zaria.

Zaria

Speaking of Zaria, she’s another performer who should be in the Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge. With Ruca and Zaria in this match, this can fuel the fire to their friendship that’s all and ready to hit the dumps. It’s most likely we’ll see the two of them face off down the line at Stand & Deliver, yet Cena should recognize how special these talents have been for the NXT brand. Adding Zaria to the match will make the dynamic a whole lot more interesting. Will she help Ruca even though they’ve had their differences over the past several weeks, or will she come out and finally betray her so-called best friend?

Tatum Paxley

The former NXT Women’s Champion should have a spot in the Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge. Tatum Paxley has the shortest reign in the illustrious history of the NXT Women’s Championship at just 24 days. The story would most likely divulge a match between Paxley and her former best friend, Izzi Dame. Especially since Dame and ‘The Culling’ betrayed her “friend” at NXT Gold Rush. However, with the work Paxley has put in over the last several years, and what she was trying to accomplish as champion, she should have a spot at NXT Deadline.

Lola Vice

Over this past year alone, Lola Vice has gotten closer and closer to being named the NXT Women’s Champion. She failed at NXT No Mercy back in September against Jacy Jayne. She received a title opportunity from Paxley, yet that match ended in a no-contest as Jayne and the rest of ‘Fatal Influence’ interfered in the match. Vice is gearing up to be the face of the Women’s Division. It all starts with being the Women’s Iron Survivor. The big question is whether she’ll be able to take the next steps in her career.

Jordynne Grace

Since arriving in NXT from TNA, Jordynne Grace has received numerous opportunities to win gold. She’s failed to win during all those chances, yet it may be time to change the tide and have Grace rise above the challenges she’s faced this year. As of late, she’s been focused on capturing the TNA Knockouts Championship from Kelani Jordan; however, Grace should be looking to take the next steps, overcome Jayne, and become NXT Women’s Champion. Grace seemed like the most obvious candidate to dethrone Jayne during her first reign, yet that didn’t happen. She could certainly be the one who becomes champion and leads NXT to a new wave in 2026.