Sol Ruca’s Career-Defining Moment: NXT Rising Star Faces Bayley on John Cena’s Final WWE Night
Sol Ruca is about to step into the biggest spotlight of her young WWE career — and the timing couldn’t be more historic.
This Saturday at Saturday Night’s Main Event, the NXT standout will go one-on-one with WWE trailblazer Bayley in a match that takes place on the same night as John Cena’s final in-ring appearance. For Ruca, it’s not just another match — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
While Cena prepares to battle Gunther after winning the Last Time Is Now Tournament, Ruca will share the ring with one of the key figures behind WWE’s Women’s Revolution. And for someone still early in her journey, the moment is surreal.
“I’m honestly so excited,” Ruca said in a recent interview. “I’m still pretty new to the industry, and getting the chance to face someone like Bayley — who’s done this at the highest level for so long — is unreal. I just want to learn, enjoy the moment, and give it everything I’ve got.”
Bayley’s résumé speaks for itself. A former fan favorite turned elite competitor, she’s a four-time Women’s Champion, a two-time Women’s Tag Team Champion, and a locker-room leader known for mentoring younger talent. Her influence has already been felt by Ruca behind the scenes.
“She’s come to the Performance Center before and worked with us,” Ruca shared. “Even when I was brand new, she jumped into class and helped us learn. She’s super approachable and genuinely wants the next generation to succeed.”
For Ruca, being part of Saturday Night’s Main Event is more than a career highlight — it’s history in the making. Only a select few NXT stars ever get this kind of platform, and doing it on Cena’s farewell night makes it even more special.
“I’m really proud of how far I’ve pushed myself this past year,” Ruca said. “I’m naturally shy, but wrestling has helped me break out of that. From winning championships to now being on John Cena’s last show — it’s been an unbelievable journey.”
The event takes place in Washington, D.C., and streams live on Peacock at 8 p.m. ET. One legend says goodbye — and one rising star gets her biggest stage yet.
