Controversy erupted on social media when Mariah May, recently rebranded as Blake Monroe in NXT, spoke candidly about her All Elite Wrestling experience, sparking what is now called the Mariah May AEW exit controversy. The former AEW Women’s World Champion’s remarks have led to a wave of criticism from wrestling fans, just weeks after her high-profile move to WWE’s NXT brand.
Negative Reactions Mount After May’s Remarks
Mariah May made headlines after revealing difficult emotions she experienced near the end of her AEW contract. Having achieved the AEW Women’s World Title following her victory over Toni Storm, May was considered one of the leading talents in the company prior to her departure. Upon her AEW contract’s expiration in May, she transitioned immediately to NXT, fulfilling a long-held dream to join WWE. Now competing as Blake Monroe, she addressed her struggles in a recent YouTube vlog.
During her candid discussion, May admitted to feeling ‘dejected’ during her final period in AEW, based in Jacksonville. She also expressed how her passion for wrestling was reignited after starting training at the Flatbacks wrestling school. This transparency was met with a mixed response online, illustrating a strong divide among wrestling fans regarding her sentiments.

Fan Backlash Intensifies Across Social Platforms
The response from the AEW fanbase, particularly on X, was swift and divided. Some supporters argued that Mariah May should not have been hired by AEW in the first place, while others accused her of showing ingratitude for the opportunities provided by the Jacksonville-based promotion. As her comments circulated, tensions grew between factions supporting her perspective and those critical of her remarks, amplifying the Mariah May AEW exit controversy.
May Reflects on WWE Dream Come True
For Mariah May, joining WWE represents a lifelong aspiration fulfilled. She has long cited WWE as the pinnacle of sports entertainment—an achievement she holds in high regard. With her transition to WWE finalized at the age of 26, she regards her current role as her proudest moment yet. On her YouTube vlog, she shared heartfelt reflections on her journey and ambitions in professional wrestling.
“If you’ve followed my channel and followed me, you’ll know that WWE was a huge goal of mine. Since I was a little kid, all I wanted to do was be a WWE Superstar, be a wrestler, that’s why I started training, to be in WWE. To be able to sit here and say at 26 years old that I am a WWE Superstar is the greatest achievement of my life,”
she said. —Mariah May, WWE Superstar
Looking ahead, attention is focused on how Shawn Michaels, a legendary figure in wrestling and NXT’s key creative force, will book her character. Now aspiring for the NXT Women’s Title, Mariah May’s next chapter in WWE draws significant interest from fans and commentators alike, with the Mariah May AEW exit controversy continuing to generate discussion throughout the wrestling community.