The wrestling world took notice when Mariah May stepped onto WWE programming for the first time, and one of the company’s most respected veterans is singing her praises. Following May’s striking debut appearance on NXT, veteran star Natalya has voiced her excitement about the former AEW Women’s Champion joining the WWE ranks.
May Makes Her Mark on NXT
The June 3 edition of NXT delivered a memorable moment when May emerged on the balcony stage. Her appearance came at the perfect time, following an intense brawl between multiple women vying for NXT Women’s Championship opportunities. The timing of her debut couldn’t have been more strategic, immediately positioning her within the title picture conversation.
May’s entrance to WWE programming marked the beginning of a new chapter for the talented performer who had previously made waves in All Elite Wrestling.
Natalya’s High Praise for the Newcomer
During her appearance on Busted Open, Natalya didn’t hold back her enthusiasm for May’s arrival. The veteran wrestler, who has worked with countless performers throughout her career, recognized something special in the newest NXT addition.
“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 new challenges…”
Natalya’s assessment carries significant weight in the wrestling community. Her description of May as “the total package” speaks volumes about the skill set and potential she sees in the performer.
The AEW Chapter That Built a Star
May’s journey to WWE wasn’t without its compelling storylines and championship success. Her previous work in AEW created some of the most talked-about women’s wrestling content in recent memory. The storyline that caught Natalya’s attention began with May positioning herself as Storm’s trusted ally following her AEW debut.
However, wrestling fans know that alliances in this business rarely last forever. July 2024 brought the inevitable betrayal as May turned on Storm, setting up one of the year’s most anticipated feuds.
Championship Gold and Career-Defining Moments
The betrayal storyline reached its peak at All In London 2024, where May captured her first major championship by defeating Storm for the AEW Women’s Championship. The victory in London represented the culmination of months of storytelling and character development.
The championship changed hands again at February’s Grand Slam Australia event, where Storm reclaimed the title. Their final encounter came at Revolution in March, featuring a brutal Hollywood Ending match that served as May’s farewell to AEW programming.
From AEW Success to WWE Opportunity
May’s transition from AEW to WWE represents more than just a company change – it’s a testament to her abilities as a performer. As Natalya pointed out, WWE’s interest in May stems directly from the exceptional work she displayed in her previous promotion.
The veteran’s comments about “building,” “growth,” and “new challenges” suggest that May’s WWE journey is just beginning. Her debut positioning within the NXT women’s division indicates that the company has significant plans for her development.
What’s Next for May in WWE?
With her debut now in the books and praise coming from established WWE stars like Natalya, all eyes will be on how May integrates into the NXT women’s division. Her appearance during the championship contender brawl suggests she won’t be easing into her new role gradually.
The combination of her proven track record, championship experience, and the endorsement from respected veterans like Natalya positions May as a potential game-changer for NXT’s women’s division. Will she be able to replicate her AEW success and capture championship gold in her new home?
