WWE’s decision to revive Mariah May under a new persona, Blake Monroe, has drawn sharp criticism from fans, particularly for what many describe as the strong Toni Storm influence on Mariah May WWE gimmick. The bold rebranding debuted following her surprise NXT appearance, sparking divided reactions throughout the wrestling community.
Unveiling Blake Monroe: WWE’s Major Rebrand for Mariah May
After a high-profile shift from AEW, Mariah May stepped into WWE’s NXT spotlight last week without prior announcement, echoing the infamous entrance style of Ricky Saints. Tonight, WWE officially renamed her as Blake Monroe, a move aligning with reports from outlets like PWInsider that highlighted the company’s drive to trademark and fully own her new identity.
However, this transition has not been well-received. The name change, particularly the dropping of the Mariah May moniker once celebrated in AEW, has left a section of devoted fans dissatisfied. Adding to the controversy, many quickly identified similarities between her fresh WWE character and the “Timeless” persona once popularized by Toni Storm—a Marilyn Monroe-inspired gimmick.
Wrestling fans flooded social platforms with reactions, voicing that the similarities between the characters could hinder Blake Monroe’s ability to establish her individuality. Some expressed concern that such overt parallels to her former mentor could lead expectations to an unfair standard, spotlighting the challenges of following a legacy rather than forging a new one.
Natalya Shares Her Perspective on Mariah May’s WWE Signing
Natalya, a prominent WWE veteran, commented on Mariah May’s transformation during her interview on Busted Open. She praised the body of work May brought from her time in AEW, specifically referencing the acclaimed feud with Toni Storm as a highlight of her past achievements. Natalya emphasized that WWE’s interest stemmed from Mariah May’s proven performance and creative storytelling during her tenure elsewhere.
“She has done amazing work in the past. I mean, she wouldn’t be in WWE had she not done great work prior. Her stuff with Toni [Storm] was some of my favorite stuff. It was just so fun. They had a fun story. But I think that it’s all about building, it’s all about growth, it’s all about [a] new challenge.”
—Natalya, WWE Superstar
Natalya expressed optimism, emphasizing the importance of May’s growth and willingness to embrace new challenges as her WWE journey unfolds. As May enters the next phase of her career as Blake Monroe, the expectation is that her legacy of storytelling and in-ring performance will only expand on a bigger stage.
What Lies Ahead for WWE’s Blake Monroe?
Now embedded within WWE’s NXT roster, the newly christened Blake Monroe faces the daunting task of surpassing the reputation she established in AEW. With her history of acclaimed storylines, including one involving Toni Storm, expectations are set high among wrestling enthusiasts. The controversy about the resemblance between her new persona and that of her former idol underlines the scrutiny she’ll continue to face in her WWE journey.
While it remains uncertain how the
“Toni Storm influence on Mariah May WWE gimmick”
will shape her future in the division, the coming weeks are bound to reveal whether Blake Monroe can build her own identity and silence skeptics. All eyes are now on her as she navigates the challenging blend of honoring past achievements and setting new standards in WWE.
