WWE’s Next In Line (NIL) program continues to bear fruit as collegiate track standout Meghan Walker becomes the latest athlete to sign a full-time NXT/Performance Center contract, marking a significant next step in her transition from the track to the squared circle.
From the Track to WWE: Meghan Walker’s Background
Meghan Walker, aged 21, is no stranger to the competitive spotlight. A two-time state champion sprinter from Brandon, South Dakota, Walker made waves at Brandon Valley High School before joining the University of Nebraska’s track and field program in 2023[5][6]. Specializing in the 200m and 400m events, Walker also contributed to the Cornhuskers’ relay teams and was part of a Big Ten Indoor Championships-winning 4×400 relay squad[1][5].
Beyond her athletic prowess, Walker has developed a substantial social media presence, boasting more than 140,000 followers on Instagram—a rare feat for an up-and-coming WWE prospect and a testament to her marketability in the modern sports and entertainment landscape[1][4].
The NIL Program: WWE’s Pipeline for New Talent
Walker’s journey to WWE began with her inclusion in the promotion’s fifth class of NIL athletes, announced in June 2025[6][3]. WWE’s NIL (“Next In Line”) initiative, launched in 2021, was designed to identify and nurture college athletes from a wide variety of sports, giving them exposure to WWE’s unique training environment and brand-building resources while they complete their collegiate careers[6][5].
The program not only provides athletes with financial and educational support but also opens the door to a potential full-time wrestling career—a path that Walker has now fully embraced.
The Signing: Moving from NIL to Full-Time WWE Development
According to reports from multiple wrestling outlets, including PWInsider Elite and Wrestling Inc., Meghan Walker has officially inked a full-time developmental contract with WWE, transitioning from her NIL deal to a Performance Center/NXT agreement[1][5][7].
This contract cements her status as a full-time WWE developmental talent, requiring her to relocate to Orlando, Florida, where she will begin intensive training at WWE’s state-of-the-art Performance Center alongside other NXT hopefuls and rising stars[5][6].
The signing follows a key tryout during SummerSlam week—a milestone that WWE insiders say played a pivotal role in solidifying Walker’s transition to a full-time contract[5][7]. “She impressed everyone with her athleticism, work ethic, and willingness to learn,” a WWE Performance Center coach reportedly shared backstage. “Walker has the raw tools and the presence to go far in this business.”
A New Generation: WWE’s Strategy to Recruit Collegiate Athletes
Walker’s signing is part of a broader WWE strategy to infuse NXT with high-caliber athletes from outside the traditional wrestling world. The June 2025 NIL class included other notable prospects, such as Jacob Henry (son of WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry), Brock Rechsteiner (son of Scott Steiner and cousin to Bron Breakker), and TJ Bullard (son of Titus O’Neil), among others[3][7].
Recent signings alongside Walker include Russian gymnast and pole dancer Jessica Bognadov and former Boise State running back Cyrus Habibi-Likio—athletes all identified during this year’s WWE tryouts, further underscoring WWE’s commitment to building a diverse and dynamic talent pipeline[5][7][8].
What’s Next for Meghan Walker in NXT?
Walker’s entry into the Performance Center marks the beginning of an intensive period of training, brand-building, and character development. She will now have access to WWE’s extensive resources, including in-ring coaching, promo classes, media training, and creative writing workshops—tools designed to transform elite athletes into bona fide sports entertainers[6].
Sources close to the NXT coaching staff are optimistic about her future. “Meghan’s athletic background gives her an explosive foundation,” noted a WWE insider. “She has a real chance to follow in the footsteps of other track stars like Bianca Belair, who became a champion in WWE after a similar transition from collegiate athletics.”
Social Media Star Power: Walker’s Unique Advantage
In addition to her athletic credentials, Walker’s significant social media following is expected to aid her transition. With over 140,000 Instagram followers, she enters WWE with a built-in audience—a valuable asset in the digital age, where personal branding plays a crucial role in a superstar’s rise[1][4]. WWE has increasingly prioritized talent who can connect with fans online as well as in the arena, and Walker’s engagement numbers position her as a potential breakout personality within the NXT women’s division.
Backstage Buzz: Reactions and Expectations
The news of Walker’s signing has generated buzz both within the Performance Center and among WWE’s growing NIL alumni network. According to a WWE talent scout familiar with the process, “There’s a lot of excitement about Meghan. She’s shown she can handle pressure, and she’s hungry to prove herself. The coaches are eager to see how she develops once she’s immersed in the day-to-day routine.”
A backstage source at the Performance Center added, “Meghan has already built strong relationships with some of the other recruits. She brings a positive attitude and a willingness to learn, which fits the culture we’re building here at NXT.”
A Sign of Things to Come
Walker’s signing is a clear signal of WWE’s evolving approach to talent recruitment and development. By investing in world-class athletes from a variety of sports, the company is broadening its talent base and ensuring the next generation of WWE superstars is as athletically gifted as ever.
As NXT gears up for its final Premium Live Event of the year, NXT Deadline, all eyes will be on the newest Performance Center recruits to see who emerges as the next breakout star[6]. Meghan Walker’s journey from state champion to college track star and now WWE developmental talent exemplifies the new pathways available to athletes with the drive, charisma, and adaptability to thrive under the bright lights of WWE.
Fans and insiders alike will be watching closely as Walker begins her transition from the track to the ring—a journey that could one day see her standing atop the NXT women’s division and, perhaps, the entire WWE universe.