WWE are honing in on a major free agent who appears to have quit rivals All Elite Wrestling.
Former AEW Women’s World Champion Mariah May has been removed from the company’s online roster page amid reports she is jumping ship to the sports entertainment giant.
The 26-year-old English wrestler, who built her reputation in Japan before reaching new heights in Tony Khan’s promotion, seems to be on the move.
Usually, a wrestler’s removal from the AEW website suggests they’re leaving, as fans have seen in recent months with the likes of Aleister Black, Penta, Rey Fenix, Rusev and more.
Now, Mariah appears to be the next name, as PWInsider cited WWE sources who expected her to ‘start there in the near future’.
According to Fightful, management for Mariah – who hasn’t appeared since losing her Hollywood Ending match to Toni Storm in March – claim she is still under contract.
When is Mariah May joining WWE?
It’s believed to be simply a matter of time before her two-year deal with AEW expires and she signs with WWE.
While it’s not clear exactly when she becomes a free agent, it’s hard to imagine WWE wasting any time putting pen to paper and bringing her on board.
Money In the Bank is just days away on June 7, but it could be that her big moment is saved for WWE’s all-women’s PLE Evolution on July 13, one night after AEW All In.
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Another possibility is NXT Great American Bash one night earlier on July 12, which is running against AEW’s massive Texas show.
Who is Mariah May?
London-born Mariah made her in-ring debut in February 2019, before having an unsuccessful try out with WWE a few months later.
After the pandemic, she made the jump to Japan with Stardom in 2022, where she crossed paths with Mina Shirakawa, and continued to develop her skills.
The following year, she signed with AEW and debuted as a ‘super fan’ of then-world champion Toni Storm.
Their two-year story arch – which was inspired by Hollywood classic All About Eve – saw her go from protege to rival in one of modern wrestling’s best feuds, including a match at Wembley Stadium.
‘The reason I chose AEW was because of this story,’ Mariah exclusively told Metro in London last summer.
‘I didn’t know that I would take it to the lengths I did, I never knew how far it would go. But to be a part of a storyline is always enticing – that’s why I got into wrestling.’
Meanwhile, fans are excited to see Mariah get to do her thing in WWE after her incredible body of work in AEW.
‘Mariah May is one of AEW’s best success stories. A unique debut, layered character, and an all-time memorable feud,’ broadcaster Jon Alba said on X. ‘She will thrive in WWE. I suspect it won’t take long for her to become a top star.’
Fan @ChandranTheMan agreed: ‘Mariah May is only 26 and already checks every box. Elite facial expressions, a 5-star match under her belt, strong storytelling skills, and a standout look. She’s a total star in the making.’
And @VisionarySev went one further, predicting: ‘Mariah May will be WWE’s best signing this decade.’
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