Rising WWE star Kendal Grey has opened up how Julius Creed played a crucial role in helping her secure a opportunity in WWE.
Speaking in an interview with Rick Ucchino for The Takedown on SI.com, Grey reflected on her athletic background and how growing up around her brother shaped her competitive mindset. “I was always outside with my brother playing tackle football, two-hand touch, [and] manhunt with all his friends,” Grey said.
“I always wanted to be like [my brother], I always was the dirty little girl outside playing scooters, catching bugs. So, I felt like it was very natural for me to be around the guys. And so on the wrestling team, with the guys, I felt like one of the bros.”
During the interview, Grey also credited Julius Creed for encouraging her to consider WWE as a career path. The two became friends through amateur wrestling, “We stayed in contact through wrestling… And I remember after my second national title, he reached out one day saying congrats. Then he was like, ‘After you’re done, WWE next?’ And I thought he was joking.”
However, Creed’s message turned out to be far more serious than she initially believed. Grey confirmed that Creed helped connect her with WWE, which ultimately led to her signing an NIL deal in January 2023.
Grey admitted that the opportunity may not have happened without Creed’s involvement, noting that WWE usually scouts athletes from NCAA programs rather than NAIA schools. “I do give credit to him because what I’ve noticed, not so much now, but with NIL sponsorships, they usually look for NCAA athletes and women’s wrestling wasn’t NCAA.”
“And women’s wrestling, most people don’t even know it is a thing. So, I don’t even know if I would’ve had this opportunity if it wasn’t for him. I just never knew that I could possibly be a WWE Superstar, but now that I am. I don’t wanna do anything else. This is a dream come true.” [H/T: f4wonline]
Now the reigning WWE Evolve Championship holder and one of NXT’s fastest-rising stars. Grey is set for her biggest test yet. She will challenge Jacy Jayne for the NXT Women’s Championship next week at NXT New Year’s Evil.
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