In recent weeks, WWE’s NXT has seen its women’s division change drastically. Former Women’s champions Roxanne Perez, Giulia, and, more recently, Stephanie Vaquer have moved on to the main roster. While this left the division a little depleted, new additions are already incoming.
On this week’s episode of NXT, WWE LFG winner Tyra Mae Steel made her debut. She went up against Arianna Grace and emerged victorious, making a statement. But that was not all. The show saw a recently released AEW star arrive in some style.
Fans Slam Tony Khan After Former AEW Star Makes Shocking NXT Debut
Midway through the show, the new NXT Women’s champion Jacy Jayne made her way into the ring alongside her Fatal Influence teammates. As she cut a promo about winning the title last week, she was interrupted by Lainey Reid and then by Lola Vice. Jordynn Grace also came out, followed by Jaida Parker, Kelani Jordan, and Lash Legend. A brawl broke out soon enough on the entrance ramp, and the lights of the WWE Performance Center turned off.
When the lights came back on, fans were shocked to see former AEW star Mariah May standing on an elevated platform. May announced her arrival and said, “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.”
Given that AEW removed her from their roster page only a few days back on May 30, her arrival in NXT took fans by surprise online. Reacting to May’s arrival on NXT, a fan had a message for AEW owner Tony Khan on X, writing, “Damn, Mariah May to NXT. Tony Khan down bad.”
Damn, Mariah May to NXT. Tony Khan down bad
— Dave McCoy (@DaveMcCoy1983) June 4, 2025
I thought Alexa Bliss’ return was the HOLY SHIT moment of the year. Mariah May’s arrival at #WWENXT just blew that out of the water and it’s not even close.
Another “Tony Khan Fumble” for the record books… https://t.co/AbG1m98XPH
— Creighton Rabs (@RabsReporter) June 4, 2025
The BEST Women’s Division In Pro Wrestling Today.
Another Fumble by Tony Khan.
MARIAH MAY IS #WWENXT https://t.co/fhHBGxj1CZ— Frank (@FrankFrizzle215) June 4, 2025
A fan was also excited to see May in WWE, noting, “After the “Hollywood Ending” it was so hard for me to imagine Mariah May anywhere other than AEW. I’m super excited to see her career unfold in WWE.”
After the “Hollywood Ending” it was so hard for me to imagine Mariah May anywhere other than AEW.
I’m super excited to see her career unfold in WWE. https://t.co/if5sWqd8Yw
— Roe Caulfield (@CallMeCaulfield) June 4, 2025
One fan was taken by surprise at the swiftness of the move and lauded Shawn Michaels, writing. “The devil works hard, but HBK works harder how is she ALREADY THERE???”
The devil works hard but HBK works harder how is she ALREADY THERE???
— Jahmeir D. ✭ (@JDCowboys2) June 4, 2025