Mariah May AEW to WWE transition and impact is shaping conversations among industry insiders and fans, as several high-profile wrestlers, including May—now performing as Blake Monroe—have moved from Tony Khan’s AEW to WWE in recent months. This ongoing migration raises questions about why so many talents are leaving one major promotion for another and what this means for the future landscape of professional wrestling.
Recent Influx of AEW Stars into WWE
In the past year, a noticeable trend has emerged in professional wrestling: numerous established performers such as Ethan Page, Ricky Saints, Lexis King, and Jade Cargill have left All Elite Wrestling for the Stamford powerhouse, WWE. Mariah May’s switch, with her new persona as Blake Monroe, stands out as a particularly significant addition. WWE’s enduring visibility on mainstream television and its legendary status in wrestling culture continue to draw talent from AEW, particularly once their contracts conclude.
Insiders note that, for many wrestlers, performing under the WWE banner represents the realization of a childhood dream. This emotional pull, combined with the physical and financial opportunities on offer, makes WWE an almost irresistible destination for those looking to solidify their place in wrestling history.
Industry Opinions on the Motivation Behind the Moves
Veteran commentator Jim Cornette recently shared his insight on The Experience podcast, suggesting that the draw for AEW wrestlers to transition to WWE centers around financial security and career longevity, rather than seeking the pressure of being a headline “game changer.”
“The guys and girls that they have gotten from AEW are of all ages, potential, and capability. (…) But the age and etcetera, and the talent level and the look that they can make stars in two to five years. They don’t need to find any game changers because they don’t even change the game, they’re making a fortune. They want people for the future. Tony has to wait until somebody, some name, for some reason, that still has some appeal to the general public gets sideways with the WWE, and those have become fewer and farther between. So, it’s a completely opposite situation where young guys or girls with a future are flowing from AEW to WWE,”
he said. —Jim Cornette, Veteran Commentator
This perspective highlights a strategic shift: WWE is investing in younger, promising talent for future success, rather than focusing solely on established superstars.
Natalya’s Recognition of Blake Monroe’s AEW Achievements
Among the notable WWE acquisitions, Blake Monroe, formerly Mariah May, has drawn widespread attention and discussion. The impact of her transition is not just evident in fan response but also in the praise offered by respected voices within WWE.
On the Busted Open podcast, WWE veteran Natalya spoke highly of Monroe’s previous performance in AEW, noting that her excellence in past rivalries set the stage for her current WWE tenure.
“She has done amazing work in the past. I mean, she wouldn’t be in WWE had she not done great work prior. Her stuff with Toni [Storm] was some of my favorite stuff,”
she said. —Natalya, WWE Superstar
This acknowledgment underscores how Monroe’s history in the Jacksonville promotion, especially in memorable storylines alongside Toni Storm, was instrumental in catching WWE’s attention.
Implications for Wrestling’s Ongoing Talent Dynamics
The current momentum of talent moving from AEW to the WWE roster is reshaping the competitive dynamics between the two organizations. While AEW has enjoyed growth as an alternative to WWE, the allure and security offered by WWE continually attract both veterans and younger athletes. The outcome for fans and promotions alike remains to be seen, with speculation ongoing about which star might be next to make the high-profile switch.
As Mariah May’s AEW to WWE transition and impact continues to unfold, the professional wrestling world watches closely, knowing that each transfer not only changes individual careers but can also shift the broader balance of power between the industry’s leading organizations.
