The highly anticipated arrival of Mariah May rebranded as Blake Monroe in WWE has caused unease among wrestling fans after the new ring name was revealed during Tuesday’s NXT episode. The decision to replace Mariah May’s name with Blake Monroe, which was confirmed in a vignette inspired by Sabrina Carpenter, has sparked concern due to unforeseen links to the adult entertainment industry.
Blake Monroe Name Choice Raises Eyebrows
After her debut in NXT last week, fans speculated that Mariah May would compete under a new name. The reveal of Blake Monroe was soon followed by discussion over its origins. The chosen name appears to be a nod to two sources: the legendary Hollywood figure Marilyn Monroe and May’s real-life niece, Blake. However, it quickly became apparent that the name Blake Monroe is also associated with adult industry figures, creating an uncomfortable overlap for WWE’s branding.
Specifically, one adult film actress previously used the name Blake Monroe, though she is reportedly no longer active. Complicating matters further, another performer with the same name currently works as an adult and burlesque dancer, having won awards such as Miss Burlesque United States and Best Fire at Miss Nude World for a fire performance. These connections have left fans questioning WWE’s research process.
WWE’s History of Controversial Naming Decisions
This situation recalls earlier WWE missteps when it comes to choosing names for talent and groups. The company once attempted to debut a stable featuring Paige, Becky Lynch, and Charlotte Flair called Submission Sorority, only to withdraw the name after Paige warned about its association with pornographic content. WWE similarly abandoned the name Gunther Stark for the wrestler Gunther once it was found that the original Gunther Stark was a commander in Nazi Germany’s naval forces.
The wrestling community remains divided in its reaction to the Blake Monroe name. Some see this as an unfortunate coincidence, believing Mariah May may be able to distinguish herself from others who share the moniker. Others criticize WWE for inadequate name vetting, expressing frustration that such oversights persist. The controversy has contributed to a sense of frustration and confusion within the fan base, with many questioning the thoroughness of WWE’s procedures for researching new brand identities.
Future Uncertain for Mariah May’s New Persona
As of now, WWE has moved ahead with plans to trademark Blake Monroe, filing for the mark on June 10. May is also scheduled to officially sign her contract under the new persona on the June 17 episode of NXT. Whether the organization will reconsider her name further remains to be seen, but the situation has reignited debates about due diligence and public perception in the wake of high-profile rebrandings. The outcome will likely shape decisions about naming and branding for WWE’s rising stars moving forward.
