The Mariah May WWE debut and AEW response strategies have become a major topic after the former All Elite Women’s World Champion surprised fans by appearing on WWE NXT. As AEW Fyter Fest 2025 approaches, speculation grows about how Tony Khan and AEW will respond to this unexpected development in the wrestling world.
Mariah May’s Departure Leaves AEW and Tony Khan With a Challenge
Mariah May’s sudden appearance on WWE NXT came as a shock to AEW fans and to Tony Khan, who had counted on her return following her absence in recent months. Her decision to join WWE, rather than make a comeback in AEW, is seen as both a bold move for May and a tough setback for Khan, who has long supported her career and kept faith in her potential to be a leading star within the company. The transfer has quickly created ripples across both organizations, fueling discussions among supporters of AEW and WWE.
Three Major Moves Tony Khan Could Pull Off at Fyter Fest
With AEW Fyter Fest 2025 scheduled for tomorrow, Tony Khan appears poised to deliver surprises designed to recapture attention and shift momentum back to his promotion. Here are three possible actions AEW may take to counter Mariah May’s WWE debut:
1. Britt Baker Makes a Comeback: One likely strategy is to bring back Britt Baker, who stands as one of the most popular figures in AEW. Given her lasting appeal with fans, Baker’s return could immediately energize the women’s division and offset the void left by Mariah May. There is potential for Baker to confront Thunder Rosa, given their ongoing rivalry. With Thunder Rosa recently issuing a challenge, such a confrontation would set the stage for a highly anticipated match at Fyter Fest, creating a major spectacle on the AEW card.
2. Unrest Among Death Riders: The internal tension within Death Riders continues to be a focal point of AEW storylines. Jon Moxley, although still AEW World Champion, has shown increasing paranoia, hinting at cracks within the faction. Claudio Castagnoli has served as a capable stand-in during Moxley’s absences, and the idea of an unexpected split—or even Moxley expelling Castagnoli—would create shockwaves throughout the wrestling community. Such dramatic developments would be sure to capture viewers’ interest and maintain intrigue following the loss of Mariah May to WWE.
3. The Future of the Hurt Syndicate—MJF and Cedric Alexander: The latest and perhaps most surprising rumor points toward changes involving MJF and the Hurt Syndicate. MJF’s recent decision to align with the group caught many off guard, especially since fans anticipated Cedric Alexander’s arrival instead. Now, with the loss of Mariah May, Tony Khan could decide to debut Cedric Alexander and have him replace MJF in the stable. This move would provide a direct and timely counter to the WWE acquisition of an AEW standout, underscoring AEW’s commitment to keeping their roster dynamic and unpredictable.
The Road Ahead for AEW After Mariah May’s WWE Debut
The loss of Mariah May to WWE NXT is a significant event for AEW and Tony Khan. How the company handles this high-profile shift—especially during the prominent Fyter Fest 2025 event—may set the tone for its ongoing competition with WWE. Strategic surprises and storyline twists stand to reshape AEW’s roster and narratives, showing both fans and rival promotions that AEW remains resilient in the face of unexpected departures. The wrestling community will be watching closely to see which direction Tony Khan takes next.
