Mariah May’s risky move from AEW to WWE has sent shockwaves through the wrestling world, creating both intense anticipation and uncertainty about her future. As one of AEW’s brightest talents, her departure for WWE draws comparisons to legendary wrestling exits and debuts, raising questions about whether this leap will elevate her career or become a major misstep.
The Legacy of Star Transfers in Wrestling
The return of direct competition between major wrestling promotions has reintroduced the unpredictable excitement of top stars switching companies. Decades ago, fans witnessed icons like Hulk Hogan move to WCW and Chris Jericho’s unforgettable entrance in WWE. When WCW shut down in 2001, the migration of big names faded, but AEW’s launch in 2019 rekindled this high-stakes rivalry. Performers such as Bryan Danielson and Adam Cole electrified fans with their AEW debuts, while names like Jade Cargill and Rey Fenix later made their way onto WWE programming. This new dynamic has created an environment where unexpected shifts, like Mariah May’s, are once again headline news.
Mariah May’s Ascent in AEW and Her Defining Rivalry
Before AEW, Mariah May was rapidly making a name for herself in global promotions like Stardom, honing her craft and gaining attention. Upon her AEW arrival in late 2023, instead of an instant push as a standalone star, she was cast as the protégé to Toni Storm, the “Timeless” champion, under the creative direction of Tony Khan. Many considered this a step down given May’s potential, as she spent months in a supporting role, seemingly sidelined as a midcard talent. But what looked like missed opportunity was actually the setup for one of AEW’s most compelling stories.
Their story followed a wrestling tradition where an apprentice eventually stands up to their mentor. Mariah May’s climactic turn came immediately after her victory in the Owen Hart Cup Tournament, when she launched a shocking, violent assault on Toni Storm. This betrayal ignited a heated feud, regarded by many as one of the most powerful in women’s wrestling. May’s character evolved into a charismatic, villainous champion after claiming the AEW Women’s World Championship. Meanwhile, the emotional fallout for Storm was so intense that she retreated from the spotlight, portraying a complete breakdown.
Their saga reached its crescendo at AEW Grand Slam Australia, where Storm reclaimed the title in February. Their rivalry continued at AEW Revolution on March 9, with Storm prevailing once again. Unbeknownst to fans at the time, that match would mark Mariah May’s last appearance for the promotion, capping off a run that transformed AEW’s women’s division.
Before this period, the division was floundering in search of a marquee feud, but the dynamic between Toni Storm and Mariah May dominated storylines and elevated women’s wrestling within the company. Their clash captured fan attention and set a new standard, overshadowing even champions like the TBS Champion Mercedes Mone.
The Circumstances Behind May’s AEW Departure
As Mariah May’s momentum peaked, questions began to swirl due to her sudden absence from AEW television following her loss at AEW Revolution. Initially, fans wondered whether creative had lost interest, but reports emerged in April clarifying the reason: her contract with AEW was expiring, and she was poised to exit, with WWE as her likely destination.
Speculation reached near certainty last week when May’s profile vanished from AEW’s official roster. Industry insiders pointed to contract details that surprised even those within AEW—her deal, signed for two years after she arrived in late 2023, included no extra option year, an unusual move for someone rising so fast.
One of the most respected sources in wrestling reporting gave further confirmation:
“Fightful Select can confirm PWInsider’s reports of such plans, and add more. May’s two-year contract with AEW is expected to expire and she will be effectively done with the company. There have been no substantial creative plans for her since the Hollywood Ending, and we’re told that most in the company expected her to move on to WWE…
“AEW was well aware that she would be leaving the company, and sources near the top of WWE say that the wheels have been in motion for her to join WWE. The most surprising element within AEW was that Mariah May had a two-year deal with no additional option year for AEW.”
—Fightful Select
With the path cleared and both companies apparently anticipating the move, Mariah May’s exit appeared not to result from dissatisfaction or poor booking. Rather, it seemed a calculated career decision at her moment of greatest visibility.
High Stakes Await Mariah May in WWE’s Crowded Women’s Division
Unlike some recent high-profile departures—such as Ricky Starks or Ethan Page—who left because they felt underutilized, Mariah May was being spotlighted and positioned as a key star. Only the meteoric Toni Storm outshone her. As Mariah May steps into WWE, nervous intrigue surrounds how she will fare amid a resurgence in WWE’s women’s roster depth.
Just a short time ago, WWE’s women’s landscape might have urgently needed fresh names. Today, that is no longer the case. Several major characters, like Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan, have returned after injuries. WWE favorites such as Jade Cargill and Becky Lynch are active again, and champions like Iyo Sky and Tiffany Stratton invigorate TV weekly. Beyond established top acts, the midcard is swelling with personalities including Chelsea Green and Lyra Valkyria. Most significant is the main roster promotion of four acclaimed wrestlers: Roxanne Perez, Stephanie Vaquer, Giulia, and Jordynne Grace, whose arrivals significantly raise the bar on Raw and SmackDown.
This competitive environment brings a substantial risk for May. Unlike AEW, where her rivalry with Storm propelled her to the forefront, WWE’s women’s division presents a labyrinth of established and rising stars. There is genuine concern that, despite her talent and name recognition, Mariah May could slip into the background if not showcased with the same impact she had in AEW.
Given the current climate, simply placing her on NXT is not an option if WWE wants to capitalize on her prior momentum. Nor would it suffice to debut her with routine matches among a crowded card. Her introduction must be explosive—potentially by launching an immediate storyline against headliners like Rhea Ripley or Tiffany Stratton. If WWE leadership, including executives like Triple H, do not take immediate and decisive action, May’s potential to draw crowds and headlines could quickly be eclipsed by the company’s other surging stars.
Potential Consequences for May and Women’s Wrestling
The significance of Mariah May’s risky move from AEW to WWE extends beyond just a career change. For May, failure to make a similar impact in WWE could hinder the rapid ascent she enjoyed with AEW. Her story is illustrative of a broader dilemma faced by rising stars in an era where top rosters are deep and unpredictable. If booked poorly or overshadowed, her personal brand and influence in the wrestling world may diminish.
This move is a test for WWE’s ability to harness a ready-made star arriving from a rival. Booker Tony Khan took his time developing May into a genuine main-event villain who transformed AEW’s women’s division. Now, the spotlight is on WWE and Triple H to see whether they will use that momentum, or let her be lost in a wave of new signings.
Fans and industry insiders alike are left to wonder: will Mariah May’s leap result in a new peak for her career under WWE’s lights, or will the move mark the moment her ascent plateaus amid tougher competition? As storylines continue to evolve and both companies search for the next breakthrough, the wrestling world watches closely—anticipating whether this gamble pays off, or if Mariah May will become yet another cautionary tale of a career disrupted by a well-timed, but perilous, switch between rival empires.
