Last Wednesday, Mariah May debuted as Blake Monroe on NXT, making an immediate impact on WWE’s women’s wrestling scene at the Orlando taping. Her glamorous introduction during a packed week for WWE added anticipation and intrigue to the already competitive NXT women’s roster.
Early Action and High Stakes Open the Night
The night began with intense energy as crowds watched Tony D’Angelo and Luca Crusifino arrive, reflecting ongoing trust issues in their storyline. Chaos erupted early when Jasper Troy ambushed NXT Champion Oba Femi in the parking lot, slamming him brutally onto a car window, escalating their feud to new heights.
The North American Championship match saw Ethan Page defend his title against Sean Legacy, the Evolve standout who had long awaited his shot at the championship. Legacy wowed the Orlando crowd with his athleticism and resilience, coming close to victory after a series of impactful moves, but Page retained the championship after using his “Twisted Grin” finisher. Post-match, Ricky Saints interrupted the celebration, prompting an immediate backstage brawl.
Tensions Run High in the Women’s Division
NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne appeared backstage, voicing her frustration to Ava about the shock debut of Mariah May, who had yet to receive a ring name. Lainey Reid, determined to make a statement, confronted Jayne directly with a pair of slaps, igniting a challenge for the championship that would come to fruition later in the night. Meanwhile, Sol Ruca, currently the North American Champion, documented the rising tension among Lash Legend, Kehlani Jordan, and Wren Sinclair for fans on TikTok, highlighting the complexity and competitiveness within the division.
The official unveiling of Mariah May’s new ring persona arrived via a stylized vignette, showcasing her as Blake Monroe, set against a 1950s-inspired aesthetic.
“There she is: ‘The Glamour’ is Blake Monroe.”
—The production team of NXT
Fierce Tag Team and Singles Action
Elsewhere, The Culling squared off against Yoshiki Inamura and Josh Briggs, who was returning after competing in Pro Wrestling Noah. Izzi Dame played a pivotal role, distracting the referee and allowing Niko Vance to overpower Briggs for the victory, reinforcing Vance’s aggressive reputation compared to Brooks Jensen, his former partner.
Ava confronted Ricky Saints backstage over his attack on Ethan Page and ordered him to leave the arena, a moment further complicated by Saints’ inability to speak due to a larynx injury. Meanwhile, Andre Chase, ever the intense coach, delivered a forceful pep talk to Kale Dixon and Uriah Conners as Chase University continued to rally in the background.
Lash Legend faced Wren Sinclair in singles competition, with Kehlani Jordan providing commentary. Despite Sinclair’s efforts, Legend’s dominance in the ring led her to a definitive win, accompanied by an intimidating staredown at Jordan after the match.
Lainey Reid Pushes Jacy Jayne to the Limit
Lainey Reid, introduced in a vignette that highlighted her athletic background, challenged Jacy Jayne for the NXT Women’s Championship. Reid asserted herself early with daring offense and near-falls. Despite her tenacity, outside interference from Fatal Influence tipped the momentum in Jayne’s favor, allowing the champion to secure victory after a rolling forearm.
Following this contest, Ava announced that next week would feature four singles matches as eliminators, the winners advancing to a fatal four-way on June 24. The victor from that clash would become the number one contender, earning a title opportunity against Jayne at the Evolution event scheduled for July 13.
The Arrival of Blake Monroe Changes NXT’s Landscape
The excitement over Mariah May’s transformation into Blake Monroe resonated on social media and in the arena. The official announcement of Monroe’s contract signing for NXT next week signals her intent to become a major player within a revitalized division. Her glamorous image and assured presence are already drawing comparisons with established stars like Jacy Jayne and Sol Ruca, promising fresh feuds and alliances ahead.
Ongoing Rivalries and Surprises
The night also featured appearances from TNA’s AJ Francis and KC Navarro, collectively known as First Class, who made their ambitions for the NXT Tag Team Titles clear while adding insult to Josh Briggs after his tag team defeat. Elijah, another familiar face, made a cameo, signaling further developments in these storylines.
The No Quarter Catch Crew remained active backstage, with Myles Borne reflecting on the group’s positive influence and Je’Von Evans offering congratulations. As new alliances form and rivalries heat up, the quest to stand out grows increasingly competitive.
Luca Crusifino and Tony D’Angelo teamed up against The High Ryze in tag action, with El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. and Mr. Iguana watching ringside. Despite some efforts to cooperate, internal dissension and a last-minute intervention led to The High Ryze picking up the win, leaving D’Angelo and Crusifino with more questions than answers about their partnership.
Meanwhile, Trick Williams, the reigning TNA Champion, accepted the challenge for a high-stakes six-man tag team match involving Yoshiki Inamura, Josh Briggs, Elijah, and his
“lightskin brothers out of First Class.”
—Trick Williams, TNA Champion
The Main Event Showcases Physicality and Drama
The main event pitted Oba Femi against Jasper Troy for the NXT Championship, a match fueled by their earlier altercation. With Femi nursing injuries from Troy’s backstage attack, the bout showcased their formidable strength—Troy even broke a turnbuckle following an irish whip. Spectators in Orlando were on their feet as the competitors traded signature moves, and both delivered several dramatic near-falls. In the match’s climax, Femi countered Troy’s offense with a powerful spinebuster, followed by his Fall From Grace finisher to retain the NXT Championship amid some referee confusion.
Fans in the arena, along with Booker T, echoed the chant:
“No bread, no water, just meat!”
—Audience and Booker T, NXT commentator
What Mariah May’s Arrival Means for NXT
The arrival of Mariah May as Blake Monroe heralds a period of change and possibility for WWE’s NXT women’s division. With established contenders like Jacy Jayne, up-and-coming stars such as Lainey Reid, and the interweaving of talent from organizations like TNA and AAA, the competition is fierce. Monroe’s contract signing and entrance into this dynamic mix promise new rivalries, alliances, and moments of high drama, ensuring that the path to Evolution and beyond is as unpredictable as ever.
