In a significant shift within the professional wrestling landscape, industry insiders are reporting that Britt Baker, a former AEW Women’s World Champion, is expected to follow Mariah May’s WWE move after AEW departure. This development further intensifies the ongoing wrestling industry rivalry, as WWE continues to attract major AEW talent.
Backstory of Wrestling’s Latest Talent Shifts
The competitive dynamic between WWE and AEW has been defined by battles over star power and event viewership, with recent high-profile moves shaping both promotions. Mariah May, previously associated with AEW, recently departed to begin a new chapter as Blake Monroe under the WWE banner, marking another major acquisition in the ongoing talent contest. The wrestling community has also seen the reformation of The Hurt Business—now called The Hurt Syndicate—in AEW, highlighting the fluid nature of wrestling rosters and stoking fan speculation.
Among those commenting on the shifts is Jonathan Coachman, a seasoned sports broadcaster who first joined WWE in 1999 and spent more than thirteen years with the company across two separate stints. In 2024, Coachman established Behind The Turnbuckle Studios on YouTube, which has featured conversations with wrestling insiders like Vince Russo and productions veteran Tommy Carlucci. Coachman’s reporting has drawn both support and criticism, especially following viral stories such as rumors about Vince McMahon’s potential corporate maneuvers.
Coachman Breaks News on Britt Baker’s Imminent WWE Signing
Speculation around Britt Baker’s future intensified when Coachman shared on his show, The Last Word, that an anonymous source relayed imminent news about the first-ever AEW women’s division signee nearing an exit from Tony Khan’s promotion. Coachman addressed the rumors live during a discussion with Carlucci and Gabby LaSpisa.
“Alright, so I just got this in real time. You guys know I’ve just been breaking news left and right, and when it’s in context, I have yet to be wrong. So, I just found out there’s a name, a female name, out there that is this [pinching hand gesture] close to signing with the WWE. Any guesses? [Carlucci: Britt Baker] Ding, ding, ding, ding! Gone from AEW, close. My sources… keep coming to your boy!,”
—Jonathan Coachman, Sports Broadcaster
The report quickly fueled intense debate as Baker has been at the heart of speculation regarding her tenure and prospects with AEW over the past year. As one of the most notable “AEW Originals,” Baker’s potential WWE move is poised to have a substantial impact, drawing attention from both fans and insiders.
Baker’s Standing in Professional Wrestling
Tommy Carlucci provided perspective on the possible transfer, noting Baker’s influential presence in AEW since its inception. He highlighted her role as a foundational competitor and assessed the implications for WWE’s women’s division.
“Yeah, I think they have to, Coach, and I think they’re starting to do that now. If it’s true that Britt Baker just signed with WWE, that’s a pretty big thing. She was a pretty big thing at AEW. I don’t know what happened over there, if things got crossed with her and TK or what, but she was a top talent for a long time when they first started out there. So, I think it’s a big coup for WWE to get her. Now whether she starts out in NXT or if it’s RAW or SmackDown, I’d bring her to the main roster right away because she’s ready, man. Big time ready for that,”
—Tommy Carlucci, Wrestling Production Veteran
Carlucci suggested that WWE should bypass the traditional developmental route for Baker, advocating for her to be featured on flagship shows like RAW or SmackDown immediately. His commentary reflects ongoing conversations around WWE’s strategy to reinvigorate its women’s division amid upcoming events like Evolution II and shifting talent needs.
Insider Insights and Discussion of Wrestling Politics
The conversation on The Last Word further explored potential backstage factors influencing Baker’s situation. Coachman agreed with Carlucci’s assessment, discussing the challenges of navigating company dynamics and hinting at friction between Baker and AEW leadership.
“She is so, so ready. She’s got the built-in storyline, and she got buried because she pushed back. She b****ed about what was going on [in AEW], and you know… in wrestling you can’t do that. [Carlucci: Nope] You can’t do that,”
—Jonathan Coachman, Sports Broadcaster
This candid exchange shed light on some of the reported difficulties that prominent wrestlers can encounter behind the scenes, particularly when voicing concerns or differences in creative direction. The narrative underscores the complex, and sometimes turbulent, environment that shapes career decisions in professional wrestling.
Britt Baker’s Recent Record and Timeline
Baker’s in-ring activity has slowed in recent months. Her last recorded match was a victory over Penelope Ford on Dynamite on November 13, 2024. This win came six weeks following her triumph against Serena Deeb during the Dynamite 5 Year Anniversary show, and five weeks after her defeat by TBS Champion Mercedes Moné at the All In event. These appearances mark Baker’s latest contributions to AEW before the rumors of her exit began accelerating.
The context of these matches, including the significance of her win at the Owen Hart Cup 2022 and her run as Women’s World Champion, positions Baker as a sought-after competitor as WWE and AEW continue to reshape their rosters.
Industry Implications and What Comes Next
Britt Baker potentially joining WWE echoes the recent high-profile transition involving Mariah May, highlighting a trend that could impact the competitive balance between the two top wrestling companies. As WWE pursues additional marquee names to strengthen its talent pool, Baker’s arrival could immediately elevate the women’s division and possibly alter storyline trajectories on flagship shows.
For AEW, losing one of its original stars underscores the ongoing challenge of retaining talent and sustaining momentum against a relentless rival. The wrestling industry, fans, and insiders alike are watching closely as further details emerge regarding Baker’s contract status and potential debut. The outcomes may influence future moves from both companies and continue the evolving “war” for leadership in professional wrestling entertainment.
