WWE’s pipeline of athletic talent continues to flourish as University of Nebraska track star Meghan Walker, previously a member of the company’s innovative “Next In Line” (NIL) program, has inked a full-time developmental deal. Walker’s transition from collegiate standout to WWE prospect is a testament to the success of WWE’s NIL initiative and the growing trend of recruiting elite college athletes into the world of sports entertainment.
From NIL to NXT: Meghan Walker’s Rapid Rise
Meghan Walker, 21, first made waves as part of WWE’s fifth NIL class, a group unveiled in June 2025 that included high-profile athletes from across the NCAA landscape. As a sprinter for the University of Nebraska, specializing in the 200m and 400m events, Walker was celebrated for her explosive speed and competitive drive. Her achievements include being a two-time South Dakota state champion in high school and a crucial relay team contributor at Nebraska[4][5].
WWE’s NIL program, launched in 2021, strategically partners with collegiate athletes, offering them a pathway to explore a wrestling career while still pursuing their education. For Walker, the NIL contract laid the groundwork, but her ambitions—and WWE’s interest—were always pointed toward a full-time role[2][5].
The Signing: A New Chapter Begins
According to multiple reports, Walker has now signed an official NXT/Performance Center contract, marking her as a full-fledged member of WWE’s developmental roster[1][2][3][4][6][7]. This new deal means Walker will relocate to Orlando, Florida, joining the company’s state-of-the-art Performance Center for rigorous training in wrestling techniques, media skills, and character development[4].
Walker’s journey included a pivotal tryout during SummerSlam week, where her athleticism and presence reportedly impressed both coaches and talent scouts. That showcase was instrumental in moving her from the NIL system to a full developmental contract[4][6]. As part of her transition, Walker joins two other recent WWE signings—Russian gymnast Jessica Bognadov and former Boise State football standout Cyrus Habibi-Likio—demonstrating WWE’s continued commitment to athletic diversity[4][6].
Why Meghan Walker Stands Out
Several factors make Walker an especially intriguing addition to WWE’s developmental ranks:
- Elite Athletic Background: Walker’s track pedigree provides a foundation of speed, agility, and discipline that translates well to the ring[1][5].
- Proven Competitor: Success as a state champion and collegiate sprinter demonstrates her ability to perform under pressure and adapt to new challenges[4][5].
- Social Media Presence: With over 130,000 followers, Walker brings a built-in fanbase and an understanding of personal branding, a key asset in WWE’s media-driven environment[3].
- NIL Success Story: As one of the first NIL athletes to complete the pipeline into a full contract, Walker’s journey is a blueprint for future recruits[2][5].
Her signing also reflects WWE’s broader strategy: recruiting athletes whose physical skills and competitive mindset can be molded into the stars of tomorrow. It’s a playbook that’s produced success stories like Bianca Belair, herself a former college track athlete[5].
Inside the Performance Center: What’s Next for Walker
With her contract signed, Walker will begin the rigorous daily routine at WWE’s Performance Center. Here, she’ll receive hands-on instruction from experienced coaches in wrestling technique, in-ring psychology, and character development. She’ll also participate in promo classes and media training—crucial skills for building a well-rounded WWE persona[4][5].
“Meghan has the kind of raw athleticism and hunger we’re always searching for,” a WWE Performance Center coach reportedly told colleagues. “She’s already shown she can handle pressure. We believe she’s got the potential to be a breakout star if she commits to the grind.”
Walker is expected to appear at NXT live events and, with continued development, could debut on NXT television in the coming year. WWE’s NXT brand is approaching its final major event of 2025, NXT Deadline, on December 6 in San Antonio—a stage where new prospects often make their mark[5].
The Broader NIL Impact: WWE’s Talent Pipeline
Walker’s signing is part of a larger trend: WWE’s Next In Line program is rapidly becoming a critical source of new talent. The June 2025 NIL class featured not only Walker, but also notable names like 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[2][6]. This strategy ensures WWE taps into athletes with both legacy and fresh perspectives.
Since NIL’s launch, several participants have successfully transitioned to full-time training, proving the model’s effectiveness. The program offers athletes access to WWE’s facilities, brand-building resources, and mentorship, giving them a head start over traditional independent wrestling recruits[5].
Industry Reaction: High Expectations for a New Era
Walker’s move has generated excitement both inside WWE and throughout the wrestling community. According to a WWE insider, “The NIL program is already starting to pay dividends. Meghan’s signing is a big win for us, and fans are going to be surprised at how quickly she adapts to this environment.”
Social media buzz reflects both anticipation and curiosity, with fans eager to see how Walker’s track background will influence her in-ring style. Given the success of other collegiate athletes in NXT, expectations are high.
Looking Ahead: Meghan Walker’s WWE Future
While it’s still early days, Walker’s combination of speed, athleticism, and charisma positions her as one of the most promising prospects in the current NXT/Performance Center lineup. If she continues to develop her wrestling skills and embraces the entertainment side of WWE, there’s every chance she could follow in the footsteps of former collegiate athletes who now headline WWE’s biggest events.
For now, Walker’s focus will be on learning the craft, building her character, and making her mark in a competitive environment teeming with hungry young talent. Her journey from NIL recruit to full-time signee is complete—the next chapter, and perhaps her rise to WWE stardom, is just beginning.