Reality of Wrestling’s annual Sherri Martel Classic is adding two notable names to its announced field, with WWE NXT talent Layla Diggs and newly crowned WWE ID Women’s Champion Monica Monroe set to be part of the event in Texas City, Texas.

The tournament is presented by Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling promotion and carries the name of the late Sherri Martel, one of professional wrestling’s most influential managers and performers. With Diggs entering the tournament and Monroe arriving after what Reality of Wrestling described as the biggest night of her career, the event has added further attention to an already announced group of women’s competitors.

Reality of Wrestling announced Diggs’ inclusion by emphasizing the increased challenge awaiting the rest of the tournament field. The promotion stated, “With an NXT Superstar now entering the mix the road to becoming wrestling’s next breakout star just got a whole lot tougher for the competition!”

Diggs’ placement in the Sherri Martel Classic gives the tournament a direct connection to WWE’s NXT roster. The announcement did not provide bracket details, potential first-round opponents, or an explanation of how Diggs will be positioned in the event. Still, her addition immediately makes her one of the most recognizable names among the competitors announced so far.

For more background on this topic, read Booker T Says He Would Change WrestleMania 19 Finish Against Triple H.

Monica Monroe Arrives as WWE ID Women’s Champion

Monroe is also scheduled for the Sherri Martel Classic following a major milestone in her career. Reality of Wrestling identified her as the new WWE ID Women’s Champion and stated that she had officially earned a WWE ID contract.

In announcing Monroe for the show, Reality of Wrestling said she would be coming to the Sherri Martel Classic with a major announcement for the ROW Nation. The promotion has not revealed what that announcement will involve, and it remains unclear whether it will concern Monroe’s championship status, her future appearances, or another development connected to her career.

“Coming off the BIGGEST night of her career, becoming the NEW WWE ID WOMEN’S CHAMPION and officially earning a WWE ID contract! Monica Monroe is coming to the SHERRI MARTEL CLASSIC with a HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT for the ROW Nation!”

That makes Monroe’s role especially noteworthy. She is advertised as part of the event’s overall presentation, but the announced wording also places focus on what she plans to say when she appears in Texas City. Whether she will be competing in a tournament match, making an announcement outside the bracket, or doing both has not been specified.

The distinction matters because the Sherri Martel Classic is being promoted around a defined group of entrants, while Monroe’s announcement highlights both her recent WWE ID accomplishment and an additional on-show development. Reality of Wrestling’s listed field includes her name, placing her alongside the wrestlers publicly advertised for the tournament.

Announced Sherri Martel Classic Field

Reality of Wrestling has listed the following competitors for the Sherri Martel Classic:

  • Rachel Ley
  • Ruthie Jay
  • Brittnie Brooks
  • Kaylia Capri
  • Layla Diggs
  • Simone Jazmyne
  • Hao
  • Mia Friday
  • Jazmin Allure
  • Monica Monroe

The announced names represent a mix of competitors who have been featured around the independent wrestling scene, along with Diggs’ NXT affiliation and Monroe’s WWE ID Women’s Championship recognition. No tournament bracket or format was included with the roster announcement. As a result, there is no confirmation yet regarding opening-round matches, the number of bouts required to win the tournament, or whether any additional participants may still be revealed.

For the women named in the field, the classic offers an opportunity to compete in an event associated with Sherri Martel’s enduring influence. Martel’s career included work as a wrestler, manager, valet, and personality across several major stages in professional wrestling. A tournament bearing her name naturally places an emphasis on performers looking to make an impression through their in-ring work and presence.

Why Diggs’ Entry Changes the Conversation

Reality of Wrestling’s description of Diggs as an NXT Superstar is a clear indication of the spotlight attached to her appearance. Tournament fields can change quickly when a nationally recognized talent enters, particularly when the remaining competitors are seeking a signature victory or a chance to establish themselves in front of a larger audience.

At the same time, Diggs will enter an environment built around Reality of Wrestling’s own regular talent and its audience in Texas. That can create a different kind of test from a standard televised WWE appearance. A tournament setting places a premium on preparation, adaptability, and the ability to handle whatever path the bracket presents. Without a bracket, it is too early to identify Diggs’ most likely opponent or predict the route she would need to take to reach the final.

The promotion’s framing of the tournament as a search for wrestling’s next breakout star also gives the field an added competitive theme. Diggs arrives with NXT visibility, while the rest of the announced lineup includes wrestlers with the chance to elevate their profile by defeating a WWE-affiliated opponent or by advancing through a notable annual event.

There is no announced result to discuss and no stated favorite from Reality of Wrestling. The key development at this stage is simply the level of name recognition now attached to the tournament. Diggs’ participation ensures that the Sherri Martel Classic will be watched not only as a showcase for Reality of Wrestling but also as an opportunity to see how an NXT talent performs against the event’s announced competition.

A Significant Moment for Monroe

Monroe’s appearance comes at a particularly important point in her career following her WWE ID Women’s Championship victory and the confirmation of her WWE ID contract. Reality of Wrestling’s announcement presented those developments as defining achievements, making the Sherri Martel Classic her first advertised stop after that milestone.

Her promised announcement adds an unanswered question to the show. The promotion has not indicated the content of Monroe’s message, so there is no basis yet to draw conclusions about what she will reveal. What is known is that Reality of Wrestling is presenting the moment as a major one for its fan base, while also including Monroe in the event’s advertised tournament field.

Monroe’s WWE ID status and championship provide an additional connection between the Texas-based event and WWE’s talent-identification initiative. Alongside Diggs’ NXT presence, it means the Sherri Martel Classic will feature two performers entering the show with current WWE-related distinctions.

That does not diminish the broader field. Rachel Ley, Ruthie Jay, Brittnie Brooks, Kaylia Capri, Simone Jazmyne, Hao, Mia Friday, and Jazmin Allure all remain part of the announced lineup, and each has a chance to turn the tournament into a defining moment. In a single-elimination tournament environment, a standout performance can matter as much as entering with the highest-profile affiliation.

Event Details

Reality of Wrestling has scheduled doors to open at 6:30 p.m., with bell time set for 7 p.m. The event will take place at 9300 Emmett F. Lowry Expressway, Texas City, TX 77591.

With Layla Diggs now confirmed for the field and Monica Monroe slated to appear carrying the WWE ID Women’s Championship distinction, the Sherri Martel Classic has gained two significant additions. The bracket, match order, and details surrounding Monroe’s announcement have not yet been revealed, leaving several important questions for the event itself.

For now, the full focus is on the announced competitors and the opportunity in front of them: winning a tournament created in honor of Sherri Martel while making a case to be seen as one of wrestling’s next breakout performers.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darryl Polo is a passionate wrestling fan covering WWE, AEW, TNA and beyond. He loves great rivalries, breakout stars and the moments that keep fans talking long after the bell. How we work.