Mariah May, formerly known as the AEW Women’s World Champion, made her WWE debut on NXT in June, adopting the new ring name Blake Monroe. After initially appearing as a fan favorite, she turned heel at the Evolution 2025 event, marking a significant character change. This transition has sparked discussion over her impact in WWE compared to her success in All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
Contrast Between AEW Success and WWE Struggles
Bill Apter, a respected wrestling journalist, recently highlighted that Mariah May’s career trajectory in WWE does not yet match her achievements in AEW. May initially joined AEW in 2023 as a protégé of ‘Timeless’ <a href="https://cynicaltimes.org/tag/toni-storm/”>Toni Storm and quickly rose to prominence by winning the AEW Women’s World Championship, defeating Storm herself. However, despite high expectations for her WWE run, Apter noted it has yet to translate into a similar level of acclaim and influence on NXT.
“When Mariah May went over there, everybody was like holding their breath. This is going to be exceptional. And now she’s a different name, different character. And that whole aura that I think surrounded her in AEW doesn’t have that same effect in NXT, at least not yet,” Apter said. —Bill Apter, Veteran Journalist
Current WWE Role and Rivalries
Since taking on the Blake Monroe persona in WWE, May has been featured regularly on NXT television. She is currently engaged in a heated rivalry with fellow newcomer Jordynne Grace, turning against her and causing Grace to lose the NXT Women’s Championship match at the Evolution event. This storyline marks Monroe’s ongoing effort to establish herself within WWE’s mid-tier brand.
Implications for Mariah May’s Wrestling Career
Mariah May’s initial rise in AEW established her as a notable fan favorite and credible champion, but her current WWE stint suggests challenges in replicating that success. The shift in character and branding to Blake Monroe, combined with the competitive atmosphere of <a href="https://cynicaltimes.org/category/wwe/nxt/”>WWE NXT, means her full potential remains uncertain. How WWE continues to develop her character and booking will likely determine whether she can regain the momentum she once had and secure a lasting impact in the wrestling world.
