Mariah May, recently rebranded as Blake Monroe, made her debut on WWE NXT last week and immediately set her sights on the NXT Women’s Championship, positioning herself among a sea of aspiring contenders in Orlando. As intrigue builds around the best opponents for Mariah May (Blake Monroe) in WWE NXT, the company appears poised to carefully test Monroe’s trajectory before giving her a championship match.
Mariah May’s Ambitious Entrance and Immediate Aspirations
Monroe’s arrival on NXT unfolded during a dramatic moment involving the new NXT Women’s Champion, Jacy Jane. As multiple challenging contenders confronted Jane, a wild brawl broke out, and when the lights returned, Monroe was revealed as the latest addition to the women’s division. Declaring her intention to capture the NXT Women’s title, Monroe’s fun, ‘glamour’ persona carried over from her AEW days, though WWE seems intent on thoroughly vetting her before a title shot. The competition in NXT remains fierce, ensuring that Monroe’s road to gold is anything but straightforward.
Potential First Feud: Sol Ruca Brings Athleticism and Attitude
One of the strongest candidates to challenge Monroe is Sol Ruca, the reigning North American Women’s Champion. Ruca presents a stark contrast; her flashy, athletic style differs from Monroe’s showbiz-inspired approach, suggesting an exciting clash of personalities and methods. If Monroe ignores Ruca’s accomplishments in her title quest, it could easily spark a compelling rivalry, providing the division with a captivating feud built on mutual disrespect and ambition.
Despite neither competitor being scheduled for the upcoming eliminator matches that will decide Jacy Jane’s next challenger at Evolution 2, the absence of immediate title stakes opens the possibility for their storyline to develop organically. A rivalry between them could serve as a proving ground, positioning both Ruca and Monroe closer to a future championship opportunity.
Jordynne Grace: A Possible Farewell Feud with Meaning
Jordynne Grace stands as another standout opponent for Monroe. Since joining WWE, Grace has consistently featured as a top contender on NXT, having recently vied for the division’s highest prize. Reports from Cory Hays at BodySlam indicate that Grace may soon move to WWE’s main roster, potentially heading to SmackDown, but her current participation in the number one contender’s matches means she still has business in NXT.
Monroe’s timely entry into the brand paves the way for a dramatic storyline that could see Monroe directly impacting Grace’s fate. If Monroe costs Grace a chance at Jacy Jane’s title, it would ignite immediate animosity, creating intense heat for Monroe among the NXT audience. Such a feud would not only grant Grace a high-stakes sendoff but also solidify Monroe’s villainous credentials within the women’s division.
Lola Vice: Elevating New Talent Together
Lola Vice also emerges as a strong candidate for Monroe’s first rivalries in NXT. Fresh from her last appearance at Worlds Collide, where she teamed up with Stephanie Vaquer against Dalys and Chik Tormenta, Vice is once again in the spotlight as a prospective challenger for Jacy Jane. Vice’s own journey since joining NXT in 2023 has featured steady growth, and she would be well-matched against Monroe’s newly-minted Hollywood persona.
A feud between Monroe and Vice could bring out the best in both performers. With each striving to establish themselves further in WWE’s women’s ranks, their rivalry could help Monroe transition fully into the WWE style, while giving Vice a higher profile and a challenging new adversary. Given WWE’s track record of nurturing future stars through impactful rivalries, such a matchup stands to benefit both athletes and energize the NXT women’s scene.
Why These Rivalries Could Define Blake Monroe’s NXT Journey
Blake Monroe (formerly Mariah May) enters WWE NXT at a pivotal moment, with established names like Jacy Jane, Sol Ruca, Jordynne Grace, and Lola Vice all vying for the spotlight. The best opponents for Mariah May (Blake Monroe) in WWE NXT offer not only athletic and stylistic diversity but also avenues for compelling character development and memorable storytelling. Each potential rivalry could either cement Monroe’s place as a top heel or offer her opportunities to show her prowess to the NXT audience, while veteran contenders gain fresh momentum from the new arrival. As Monroe’s path unfolds, the NXT women’s division stands to gain new rivalries, intensified narratives, and elevated competition in the weeks ahead.
