The wrestling landscape on WWE Monday Night Raw saw a significant shake-up with the emergence of a new faction. Two NXT standouts, Bronco Nima and Lucien Price, now known collectively as OTM, officially joined the main roster, aligning themselves with Royce Herrara (formerly Royce Isaacs). Their debut was impactful, as they immediately targeted prominent figures like The Usos, Solo Sikoa, and LA Knight during the main event.
The Debut of OTM on Monday Night Raw
Bronco Nima and Lucien Price, collectively forming OTM, made their presence felt on the August 12, 2022, episode of NXT Level Up, though they experienced a loss against Andre Chase and Bodhi Hayward. Their transition to the main NXT brand occurred in the summer of 2023. During their time in NXT, they were joined by Scrypts, and later by fan-favorite Jaida Parker. The group made several attempts to capture the NXT Tag Team Championships but were ultimately unsuccessful in their pursuit of the titles.
Who Are Bronco Nima and Lucien Price?
Bronco Nima, standing at an imposing 6’5″, has a background in football. He played offensive lineman for the University of Idaho before transitioning to professional wrestling after being signed by WWE in 2022. His tag team partner, Lucien Price, followed a remarkably similar path. Price also joined WWE in 2022 as a former NCAA Division I college football player. He was immediately paired with Nima, and the two have remained a consistent tag team pairing ever since.
Nima has also recently been involved with the revived stable Los Perros Del Mal in AAA, alongside wrestlers such as Daga, Angel, Berto, and Karmen Petrovic. However, his tenure with the group concluded on August 22nd of this year, when he was attacked and subsequently removed from the stable following a match against Penta. This development appears to have paved the way for his current opportunity on Raw with Royce Herrara.
OTM’s Alliance with Royce Herrara
The newly formed stable wasted no time in inserting themselves into major storylines. By attacking The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) and Solo Sikoa, they have directly involved themselves in the ongoing drama surrounding The Bloodline. Their actions also put them at odds with LA Knight, whom they also targeted. During the chaotic main event segment, Herrara, Nima, and Price launched a significant assault. Herrara specifically targeted Jey Uso and Solo Sikoa, driving them through the barricade. Meanwhile, OTM focused their attack on Jimmy Uso and LA Knight, culminating in Jimmy Uso being driven through the announcer’s table with a double crucifix bomb maneuver.
This aggressive debut serves as a statement of intent from the new faction. Royce Herrara himself had been taken out of action a few weeks prior by Jacob Fatu in a brutal encounter. His return, aligning with OTM, seems motivated by a desire for retribution against the individuals and potentially former associates who contributed to his absence. Notably, his former teammates were conspicuously absent during his recent assault, suggesting a potential shift in loyalties or a breakdown in communication.
What Does OTM Stand For?
The acronym OTM officially stands for “Out The Mud.” This name carries a symbolic weight, suggesting that both Nima and Price are leaving their past struggles and previous circumstances behind. It signifies a move forward, shedding old ways to pursue greater opportunities and achieve higher levels of success in their new main roster careers. This thematic element aligns well with Royce Herrara’s own journey. Having overcome significant personal challenges before his arrival in AEW in 2020 and now WWE, Herrara is perceived to have something substantial to prove, making the “Out The Mud” ethos a fitting foundation for the new stable.
Future Implications for the Faction
The immediate actions of OTM and Royce Herrara have placed them at the center of several high-profile rivalries. Their confrontation with The Usos and Solo Sikoa directly challenges the dominance of The Bloodline. Furthermore, their conflict with LA Knight adds another layer of complexity to the Raw landscape. The group’s aggressive debut and clear objective suggest they are poised to make a significant impact on the main roster, aiming to climb the ranks and establish themselves as a formidable force within WWE.
