The wrestling world is buzzing after former AEW Women’s World Champion Mariah May made a statement entrance at NXT, positioning herself as the next big threat to the division. But it’s not just fans taking notice – WWE veteran Natalya has high praise for May’s debut and sees striking similarities to another recent success story.
May’s Power Move Sets NXT on Notice
Tuesday’s NXT episode saw May make her presence felt in dramatic fashion. The former AEW champion appeared on a balcony overlooking the women’s roster, delivering a clear message about her intentions to dominate the division.
This wasn’t just another debut – it was a calculated power play that immediately established May as a major player in NXT’s competitive landscape.
Natalya Draws Parallels to Stephanie Vaquer’s Journey
Speaking on “Busted Open,” WWE Hall of Famer Natalya couldn’t help but connect May’s path to that of Stephanie Vaquer, who successfully transitioned from the independent scene to WWE’s main roster.
“We were talking about Stephanie [Vaquer] last week, and so Mariah has a similar journey, where she went out and explored the world before coming to WWE. She was a fan. She loved it,” Natalya explained.
Both wrestlers took the scenic route to WWE, gaining invaluable experience across different promotions before landing in the company they dreamed of joining as children.
The Student Becomes the Master
What impressed Natalya most wasn’t just May’s wrestling ability, but her genuine passion for the business. The veteran recognized something special in the newcomer’s approach to the craft.
“You know and realize she was a fan and she wanted to pursue this…and she became a student of the game,” Natalya noted.
This dedication to learning and growing resonates with Natalya, who sees May’s childhood fandom as a driving force that will propel her to greater heights in WWE.
Beyond the Beauty: A Fighter’s Heart
While acknowledging May’s obvious star quality, Natalya emphasized that there’s much more beneath the surface. The Hart Dynasty member recognized the hard work and determination that brought May to this moment.
“She is beautiful but I can tell that she really fought for this and she really worked hard for this,” Natalya continued. “I like the way she tells stories…So I’m excited to see the stories that she tells with the women in NXT.”
This praise from a wrestling veteran carries significant weight, especially given Natalya’s eye for talent and storytelling ability.
A Match Made in Wrestling Heaven?
Perhaps most intriguingly, Natalya didn’t just offer praise – she extended what could be considered an open challenge. The former Women’s Tag Team Champion made her intentions crystal clear.
“I would not be against having a match with her, just putting it out there,” Natalya chuckled.
Given Natalya’s continued involvement with NXT and her admiration for Shawn Michaels’ creative direction, this potential dream match might not be as far-fetched as it initially seems.
The NXT Connection Runs Deep
Natalya’s interest in May isn’t coincidental – the veteran has maintained strong ties to NXT programming. She specifically praised the developmental brand’s current creative direction under Shawn Michaels’ leadership.
“I think Shawn [Michaels] does an amazing job with letting the men and women tell stories,” she noted.
This ongoing relationship with NXT keeps Natalya connected to emerging talent and positions her perfectly to mentor the next generation of WWE superstars.
With Mariah May now officially part of the NXT landscape and earning praise from established veterans like Natalya, the women’s division is about to get a lot more interesting. Will we see these two talented performers share the ring, and how will May’s presence shake up the existing championship picture in NXT?
