Blake Monroe makes WWE in-ring debut at NXT live event

Former AEW Women’s World Champion Mariah May, now wrestling as Blake Monroe, made her WWE in-ring debut on Friday night.

Monroe defeated Lainey Reid at an NXT live event in Fort Pierce, Florida. It was her first bout since losing the “Hollywood Ending” match to Toni Storm at AEW Revolution on March 9.

i’m baaaaaack 🥹🩷 thank you fort pierce for the warm welcome, I would kiss every one of you if I could!! pic.twitter.com/CFg0rdVpM0

— Blake Monroe ♡ (@BlakeMonroeWWE) June 28, 2025

Blake Monroe (Mariah May) made her WWE in-ring debut tonight at an NXT live event against Lainey Reid! #NXTFortPierce

📸 @ClutchKiddAP
📸 @cryotom
📸 @ItsJamesForReal pic.twitter.com/CbAqsXmOxb

— 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐕𝐞𝐧 (@WrestlingCovers) June 28, 2025

First match vibes for Blake Monroe in Fort Pierce tonight #blakemonroe #NXTFtPierce #NXTFortPierce #WWENOC pic.twitter.com/ztqOjYc3IH

— James aka The World Wrestling Kid (@TheWWKid) June 28, 2025

Blake Monroe on her WWE debut

Monroe released a vlog earlier this week that was filmed just before her NXT debut on June 3. She called becoming a member of the WWE roster the greatest achievement of her life so far.

“I didn’t think I was going to be in WWE and it still doesn’t really feel real to me, and I don’t know if I’m going to share this one because this is so personal — but this is maybe thus far the greatest achievement of my life to be a part of WWE.”

After her surprise debut, a vignette aired the following week announcing her new ring name would be Blake Monroe. She later said the name is a tribute to her niece and Marilyn Monroe. Monroe was attacked by Fatal Influence during her contract signing on the June 17 episode and did not appear on this past Tuesday’s show.