Mariah May, formerly known as AEW Women’s World Champion, recently made her debut in WWE, adopting the ring name Blake Monroe. Her first appearance occurred on the June 3 episode of WWE’s NXT brand, where she quickly gained fan attention. This marked a significant shift in her wrestling career as she moved from AEW to WWE.
WWE Evolution Marks Monroe’s Heel Turn
Initially introduced as a face character in NXT, Monroe underwent a notable character change at WWE Evolution. During an NXT Women’s Championship match, she turned heel by interfering against Jordynne Grace, striking her with a belt to influence the outcome in favor of Jacy Jayne. This shift illustrated WWE’s plans to establish Monroe as a more complex character.
Industry Veteran Voices Concerns About Monroe’s Status
Bill Apter, a seasoned wrestling journalist, expressed reservations regarding Monroe’s transition from AEW to WWE. Apter argued that while she was a major star in AEW, her prominence has diminished since joining WWE. He attributed this decline to the extensive size of the WWE roster, which makes it challenging for emerging talent like Monroe to stand out.
“She was a big star there. Now she’s a little fish in an extremely big pond. I would have liked to have seen her go right to the main roster because she was a star in AEW. But when I’m looking at a list that I made here of AEW people who have gone to WWE, I’m wondering why they’re not being utilized so well. And it’s mainly because there’s just too many people on the talent roster,” Apter said. —Bill Apter, Wrestling Journalist
Mariah May’s AEW Career Highlights
During her time in AEW, Mariah May established herself as a notable competitor. She joined the promotion in 2023 as a fan of Toni Storm, known as “Timeless,” initially supporting Storm in her storylines. This alliance eventually dissolved, leading to an intense rivalry that culminated in May capturing the AEW Women’s World Championship, a defining moment in her career.
Implications for Monroe’s WWE Future
Monroe’s move to WWE and the subsequent heel turn indicate WWE’s intention to develop her character further. However, Apter’s critique suggests that the crowded WWE roster could limit her ability to regain the star status she held in AEW. As WWE continues to integrate former AEW talent, questions remain about how effectively these wrestlers will be showcased moving forward.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Mariah May leave AEW?
A. Mariah May, who was once a champion in AEW, is said to be moving to WWE. Her goal is to have a big moment at WrestleMania. Rumors of Jordynne Grace possibly joining SmackDown could also bring new energy to WWE’s women’s division.
