On June 3, 2025, the pro wrestling world buzzed with excitement as former AEW Women’s World Champion Mariah May made her shocking debut on WWE’s NXT, interrupting a chaotic segment involving NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne and a slew of contenders. With the lights flickering and a spotlight shining on her atop a balcony, May declared, “Ladies, you can call me the next NXT Women’s Champion because the best women’s division in the world just got a lot more glamorous.” The 300 in attendance erupted, and social media lit up with reactions, from ecstatic cheers to debates about her placement in NXT. But while her arrival was undeniably a spectacle, it raises a question: why is a wrestler of Mariah May’s calibre, a main event talent with arguably one of the most compelling women’s storylines in wrestling history—starting in NXT instead of WWE’s main roster? Let’s unpack the debut, her storied past, and why this move feels like a puzzling detour for a star of her magnitude.

A Star-Studded Arrival in NXT

Mariah May’s debut was a masterclass in surprise. During a segment where multiple women, including Lainey Reid, Lola Vice, and Jordynne Grace, were vying for a shot at Jacy Jayne’s newly won NXT Women’s Championship, the arena went dark. When the lights returned, May stood tall, exuding confidence and instantly positioning herself as a top contender. Her promo was short but impactful, emphasizing her intent to dominate a division she called “the best in the world.” The moment was electric, with fans on X buzzing about the well-executed shock value, one user noting, “Lose Giulia and Stephanie, gain Mariah May. The NXT women’s division will be just fine.”

Yet, the debut came with a curious twist: neither May nor the commentators mentioned her by name, hinting at a potential name change, much like Ricky Starks’ transition to Ricky Saints. This ambiguity adds intrigue, but it also underscores the developmental nature of NXT, where even established stars are sometimes rebranded. For a 26-year-old who’s already a proven commodity, this feels like an odd fit & its usual slap down towards AEW.

Mariah May: A Main Event Talent

Mariah May is no stranger to the spotlight. Born in London in 1998, she began her wrestling journey in 2018 as a ring announcer before debuting in the ring in 2019. Her rapid rise saw her capture titles in the UK’s independent scene and Japan’s Stardom, where she won the Goddesses of Stardom Championship alongside Mina Shirakawa. Her 2023 AEW debut marked her as a future star, culminating in a defining moment at All In 2024, where she defeated her mentor, “Timeless” Toni Storm, in front of 46,000 fans to become the AEW Women’s World Champion.

May’s AEW tenure was highlighted by what many fans and analysts consider the best women’s storyline in wrestling history: her complex, emotionally charged rivalry with Toni Storm. Starting as Storm’s protege, May’s betrayal and subsequent title win was a masterclass in storytelling, blending mentorship, betrayal, and a climactic “Hollywood Ending” at AEW’s Revolution pay-per-view in March 2025. The feud was lauded for its depth, character work, and in-ring intensity, with fans on Reddit calling it “the greatest feud in women’s wrestling history.” This wasn’t just a storyline; it was a showcase of May’s ability to carry a main event program, drawing massive crowds and critical acclaim.

Why NXT? The Case for a Misstep

Given her resume, May’s placement in NXT feels like a head-scratcher. NXT is WWE’s developmental brand, designed to groom talent for the main roster (Raw and SmackDown). While it has evolved into a respected platform with a history of hosting established stars like Samoa Joe and Kevin Owens, it’s primarily a proving ground for younger or less seasoned wrestlers. May, however, is a polished performer with global experience, a proven draw, and a track record of main event success. Her AEW run alone—headlining major shows and carrying a top title—positions her as ready for Raw or SmackDown, where she could immediately challenge for the WWE Women’s Championship or Women’s World Championship.

The argument for NXT makes some sense in context. With recent call-ups of Giulia, Stephanie Vaquer, and Roxanne Perez to the main roster, NXT’s women’s division needed a boost to maintain its “best in the world” reputation. May’s arrival fills that void, bringing star power to a division still reeling from those departures. As one X user noted, “HHH scored Guilia, Vacquer, and Mariah. That next generation for the women’s division is stacked.” Additionally, NXT allows WWE to introduce May to their audience in a controlled environment, potentially rebranding her and building anticipation for an eventual main roster debut, possibly by the Royal Rumble or WrestleMania.

But this logic falters when you consider May’s readiness. At 26, she’s not a developmental prospect needing seasoning—she’s a finished product. Her in-ring skills, mic work, and charisma rival top main roster stars like Rhea Ripley or Becky Lynch. Sending her to NXT risks stalling her momentum, especially after her high-profile AEW exit. Fans on Reddit echoed this sentiment, with one stating, “I hope she doesn’t stay on NXT long… She doesn’t need to be ‘developed.’” The idea of a former world champion competing in a developmental brand, even one as polished as NXT, feels like a downgrade for someone who was main-eventing pay-per-views just months ago.

The Silly Side of the Move

Let’s call it what it is: putting Mariah May in NXT is a bit silly. It’s like signing a Michelin-starred chef to cook at a fast-food joint. Sure, she’ll elevate the menu, but her talents are better suited for a grander stage. The NXT women’s division is stacked with talent like Kelani Jordan and Jaida Parker, but May’s experience and star power place her in a different league. Her AEW storyline with Toni Storm wasn’t just good—it was a generational feud that redefined women’s wrestling storytelling. To have her start over in NXT, potentially under a new name, feels like WWE is ignoring her proven ability to draw at the highest level.

Moreover, NXT’s history of rebranding established stars can dilute their identity. If May is renamed (as hinted by the lack of name mention during her debut), it risks alienating fans who followed her journey in AEW and Stardom. The comparison to Ricky Starks’ rename to Ricky Saints is telling—WWE’s insistence on tweaking names for trademark purposes often feels unnecessary for talents with established brands. May’s “glamorous” persona is already a perfect fit for WWE’s main roster, where she could feud with the likes of Liv Morgan or Iyo Sky, drawing big ratings and pay-per-view buys.

The Silver Lining

Despite the oddity of the move, there’s potential for May to shine in NXT. The brand’s creative freedom under Shawn Michaels allows for compelling storylines, and May could craft a memorable run, perhaps feuding with Jacy Jayne or elevating younger talents. Her presence will undoubtedly draw eyes to NXT, especially among fans who followed her AEW work. As one Reddit user noted, “She’ll be a superstar in WWE. Sky is the limit.” A short NXT stint could serve as a soft launch, building hype for a main roster debut at a major event.

Still, the clock is ticking. May’s youth (she’s still over a year from 30) and proven main event chops mean she shouldn’t linger in NXT too long. A six-month run to establish her in WWE’s ecosystem makes sense, but anything longer risks underutilizing a talent who’s already main event-ready.

Final Thoughts

Mariah May’s NXT debut was a thrilling moment, executed with the kind of drama that only WWE can deliver. But for a wrestler who’s already conquered Japan, headlined AEW’s biggest shows, and delivered what many consider the greatest women’s storyline in wrestling history, starting in NXT feels like a curious misstep. She’s not a developmental talent—she’s a main event star who should be challenging for world titles, not rebuilding her brand in Orlando. While her presence will elevate NXT’s women’s division, WWE would be wise to fast-track her to Raw or SmackDown, where her glamour and grit can shine on the biggest stage. Until then, fans can only hope this detour is brief, because Mariah May is destined for much more than developmental glory.

Or was Timeless Toni Correct when she sentenced her to a lifetime of mediocrity?