Jakara Jackson interview highlights and career updates are making headlines as the former WWE NXT star reflects on her journey, while looking forward to new opportunities in wrestling and beyond. Recent interviews with Jackson and other industry figures shed light on the latest happenings in WWE, AEW, and TNA, building excitement for upcoming marquee events and pivotal debuts.
High-Profile Entrants Shake Up WWE NXT Women’s Scene
This week, WWE captured the attention of wrestling fans by recruiting Mariah May, previously one of the most talked-about free agents in the industry. The news broke during Tuesday’s episode of WWE NXT as contenders like Jordynne Grace, Lola Vice, Kelani Jordan, and Lainey Reed announced their championship ambitions, setting the stage for a lively ringside confrontation. Amidst this fray, Mariah May stunned audiences with her entrance, boldly making her case for an NXT Women’s Championship spot. She declared,
“call [her] the next NXT Women’s Champion because the best women’s division in the world just got a lot more glamorous.”
—Mariah May, Wrestler
May’s NXT arrival follows a noteworthy tenure with AEW, where she secured the AEW Women’s Championship and triumphed in the 2024 Women’s Owen Hart Foundation tournament. AEW officially dropped her from their roster days before her NXT debut, confirming the end of her time there. Her final AEW showdown was against Toni Storm at Revolution, capping off her chapter with a high-stakes title clash.
The WWE has yet to confirm what name May will compete under, keeping fans guessing. Meanwhile, the fallout from Fatal Influence’s Jacy Jayne claiming the championship brought new contenders into the limelight. Lainey Reed, former Jacksonville State University track athlete, became the first to stare down Jayne after her victory speech, asserting Jayne’s vulnerability as a champion and stepping confidently into the competition.
Reed’s efforts in WWE started with her in-ring debut in late 2023 and continued on NXT Level Up in 2024. Solidifying her credentials, she took on the role of helping Charlotte Flair prepare for her much-anticipated comeback at the 2025 Royal Rumble.
Thekla Enters AEW Collision, Rivalries Intensify
Elsewhere in the wrestling world, Thekla made her All Elite Wrestling in-ring debut by taking down former champion Jamie Hayter and, in her official first AEW bout, defeating Lady Frost on the Collision portion of AEW Fyter Fest. Thekla’s aggressive style was on display as she landed a punishing forearm and spear before sealing victory with her Death Trap submission—so effective that she continued the assault even after the bell.
The intense moment was broken up by Queen Aminata, who intervened by throwing a shoe at Thekla, redirecting Thekla’s focus and sparking a new rivalry. Aminata later issued a challenge, stating,
“Every single time somebody new comes to AEW, yeah, they’re trying to make names for themselves by any means necessary. Why? Well, this is where the best wrestle,”
—Aminata, Wrestler
and making it clear she would face Thekla next week for a decisive showdown.
Tensions are expected to remain high as Queen Aminata formally steps up to Thekla at AEW Summer Blockbuster during Fyter Fest, promising a fierce contest. Additional developments at Fyter Fest included Toni Storm and Mina Shirakawa earning a hard-fought win over Skye Blue and Julia Hart, with Mercedes Mone observing the action from ringside as a reigning TBS Champion.
The Road to WWE Money in the Bank Heats Up
WWE’s next major spectacle, Money in the Bank, takes place on June 7 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. As tradition holds, the event will feature ladder matches with briefcases hanging above the ring, each granting championship opportunities for the victors.
This year’s women’s MITB match welcomes a blend of new main roster arrivals and established veterans. Former NXT Women’s Champion Stephanie Vaquer staked her claim by defeating Liv Morgan and Ivy Nile, clinching a ladder match spot. Ahead of the event, Vaquer joins Lola Vice for a tag match against AAA’s Chik Tormenta and Dalys at WWE x AAA Worlds Collide.
The rest of the MITB field comprises Giulia—now on SmackDown—and Roxanne Perez, both recent main roster additions, alongside WWE stalwarts Naomi, Alexa Bliss, and Rhea Ripley. Naomi and Bliss bring experience to their fifth and fourth MITB outings respectively, with Bliss already having a historic win in 2018 when she cashed in on then-champion Nia Jax. For Ripley, it marks her inaugural appearance in this high-stakes format.
Current betting lines from BetOnline show Naomi as the favorite with -280 odds, closely trailed by Ripley at +300. The anticipation for the event is amplified by these strong contenders and fresh faces, ensuring that both excitement and unpredictability remain high in the women’s competition.
Jakara Jackson’s Journey and Ambitions Beyond WWE NXT
Jakara Jackson, also known as Mara Sadè, opened up with WrestleZone’s Ella Jay about her time in WWE NXT and her evolving career plans. She shared memories of teaming with Lash Legend and Meta-Four, her respect for mentors like Natalya and TJ Wilson, and her hopes for Lash Legend’s success as a singles competitor. Jackson also discussed the invaluable training she received in WWE, preparing her for future challenges.
Looking ahead, Jackson stated her interest in exploring opportunities with TNA, highlighting her excitement for free agency and her aspirations outside wrestling, like modeling, painting, and developing her own entrance music. The interview also revealed her pride in experiencing a full-circle moment performing at NXT Stand & Deliver in Las Vegas and her drive to secure a title match against Masha Slamovich. Jackson’s multifaceted ambitions reflect her energy and dedication both in and out of the ring.
Spotlight on Women Across the Wrestling World
The week also saw other prominent female wrestlers sharing their experiences and goals. WWE Women’s US Champion Zelina Vega narrated her journey through repeated rejections before earning her dream of a WWE contract, her feud with Asuka, and the unexpected friendship with Rhea Ripley. She reflected candidly on wearing gear inspired by the Divas championship at the Royal Rumble and on common misconceptions fans have about her.
Former WWE star Kacy Catanzaro detailed her rise from American Ninja Warrior to the WWE spotlight with Chris Van Vliet, recalling milestone matches against Raquel Rodriguez and Ripley, her remarkable Royal Rumble moment, and her partnership with Kayden Carter. She addressed the physical and emotional challenges of her career, including breaking her nose twice, as she prepares for new ventures ahead.
WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus and former Divas Champion Kelly Kelly both gave insightful interviews as well—Stratus sharing on her favorite matches and the enduring thrill of connecting with the WWE Universe, and Kelly discussing life after wrestling, her reality TV dreams, and memorable moments partying with Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez.
In AEW, Deonna Purrazzo opened up on The Lightweights Podcast about camaraderie and competition across AEW, TNA, and WWE locker rooms, tag team ambitions, training with her husband Steve Maclin, her signing with AEW, and overcoming personal challenges like scoliosis to maintain a strong future in wrestling.
What Lies Ahead for Jakara Jackson and the Industry
The momentum surrounding Jakara Jackson interview highlights and career updates underscores the dynamic landscape of women’s wrestling today. As Jackson eyes new projects in wrestling, TNA, and her artistic ventures, fellow stars like Mariah May, Thekla, and Stephanie Vaquer continue to reshape the top echelons of WWE and AEW. The synergy of veterans and rising talent promises fans an emotionally charged, high-stakes environment in forthcoming matches and premium events. The wrestling world now awaits Jackson’s next steps and the results of major competitions such as Money in the Bank, anticipating new milestones and memorable moments for all involved.
