From chatbot catfishes to championship gold: the rise of a wrestling stable
In short: In the world of professional wrestling, narratives are built on drama. The Vanity Project reached new heights when their leader was outsmarted by an AI chatbot. This transition from digital deception to physical dominance defines one of WWE's most modern villainous arcs.
The Vanity Project emerged as a prominent villainous stable within WWE's NXT brand, anchored by the leadership of Jackson Drake. The group initially coalesced on April 23, following a series of high-stakes matches in Evolve. While the group eventually featured members like Brad Baylor, Ricky Smokes, and Myka Lockwood, its internal dynamics were often defined by friction and shifting alliances. One of the most unique narrative beats occurred during their transition to NXT in early 2026. Jackson Drake was revealed to have been 'catfished' by a chatbot—a modern twist on traditional wrestling tropes. This revelation led the group to target Shiloh Hill, creating a storyline that blended digital-age humor with physical competition.
This era saw Myka Lockwood officially join the fold after an intervention during a match where she performed a ringside body slam to secure Drake a victory. The stable's success is measurable in hardware. Brad Baylor and Ricky Smokes have secured multiple titles, including the NXT Tag Team Championship (currently in their second reign) and various other regional belts like the NEW Tag Team Championship and Wrestling Open Tag Team Championship. Meanwhile, Jackson Drake established himself as a cornerstone of the brand by becoming the inaugural WWE Evolve Champion, holding the title for 301 days—though WWE officially recognizes the reign as 287 days due to tape delay.
The group's history is marked by significant turnover and internal conflict. Bryce Donovan served as an enforcer before turning on Drake in late 2025, leading to a series of feuds that saw Donovan attempt to seize the Evolve Championship. Despite these fractures, The Vanity Project remains a dominant force, with Drake currently holding the NXT North American Championship.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The Vanity Project (professional wrestling)
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/history-the-vanity-project-professional-wrestling.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Born on this day · More in History · Latest · A–Z · All topics
