During SummerSlam week, WWE has initiated tryouts that include multiple wrestlers and former talents, with former AEW star Leyla Hirsch reportedly pursuing a position as a referee. Hirsch, who left All Elite Wrestling earlier this year, has already completed her tryout with WWE as part of these plans.
Leyla Hirsch’s Transition from AEW to WWE Tryouts
Leyla Hirsch was affiliated with both All Elite Wrestling and Ring of Honor from 2020 until her contract expired in 2025, after which she parted ways with Tony Khan’s promotions. Reports from Fightful revealed that Hirsch reached out to WWE expressing interest in becoming a referee. Sources confirm that WWE invited Hirsch for a tryout, which has since taken place. There was some confusion about which side initially made contact, but the event to evaluate her skills has been completed.
In addition to Hirsch, Fightful Select has stated that WWE has invited several experienced independent wrestlers to take part in tryouts scheduled throughout SummerSlam week. This demonstrates WWE’s ongoing effort to scout talent as they prepare for major upcoming events.
Confusion Surrounds Current WWE Storylines Ahead of SummerSlam
Alongside the tryout news, the buildup to SummerSlam has been clouded by perplexity among fans and insiders regarding certain storylines. At the recent Evolution event, Becky Lynch successfully defended her Women’s Intercontinental Championship against Lyra Valkyria and Bayley. Subsequently, Valkyria secured a #1 contender spot by defeating Lynch in a two-out-of-three falls match on RAW.
However, the storyline has taken a puzzling twist as Bayley and Lyra, who are supposed to be rivals heading into SummerSlam, were seen teaming up against The Judgment Day for the tag team championships. This unusual pairing has left former WWE writer Vince Russo visibly confused about the direction of the booking.
“I’m so confused with the whole with the Bayley and Lyra and Becky. I’m so confused by the whole thing, bro. I really am. I’m trying to follow it, but they’re fighting and they’re friends and they’re teaming. I’m just so confused by the whole thing. I don’t know. I don’t know what the story is,” Russo said.
—Vince Russo, Former WWE Writer
Lyra Valkyria also has the distinction of being the inaugural Women’s Intercontinental Champion, and anticipation is building as to whether she can reclaim the title at SummerSlam amid this convoluted scenario.
Implications for WWE Talent Development and SummerSlam Storylines
These SummerSlam week WWE tryouts plans showcase the company’s initiative to refresh and broaden their talent pool by assessing established indie wrestlers along with former stars like Hirsch in new roles, including officiating. The unusual tag team alliance between Valkyria and Bayley adds further intrigue to SummerSlam’s card, reflecting a storytelling approach that has sparked debate and heightened scrutiny from wrestling insiders. The outcomes of these tryouts and story directions may significantly shape both the in-ring product and talent landscape at WWE’s marquee events ahead.
Our Reader’s Queries
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