Mariah May, who rose through AEW’s women’s division as a breakout star, has not appeared on TV since she dropped the AEW Women’s Championship back to Toni Storm last month, and it appears there may be reasons beyond a simple rest period. Insider information suggests a larger story is developing.
Reports from Wrestling Observer Radio by Dave Meltzer indicate that sources within WWE believe May is preparing to make a move there. “People in WWE know she wants to go,” Meltzer mentioned, even though her AEW contract status has not been publicly confirmed. He believes her deal may end this summer.
Co-host Bryan Alvarez offered similar observations, saying AEW associates have shared the same whispers. It is thought that May agreed to a two-year deal when she first signed with AEW, with her official debut scheduled for November 2023, suggesting that her contract might be timed to expire earlier in the year.
Social Signals and Career History
The speculation gained steam after May posted a mysterious Instagram Story quoting, “ending up where you’re meant to be,” along with a tag from Orlando, Florida, the location of WWE’s Performance Center. That subtle message did not go unnoticed by supporters or industry insiders, including Meltzer.
Before her time in AEW, May had already caught WWE’s attention through a 2019 tryout. WWE trainer Sarah Stock encouraged her to gain international experience, a recommendation May followed by competing in STARDOM before joining AEW.
Patterns Suggesting a New Departure
While May’s time off might be a simple break after a major storyline with Toni Storm, AEW President Tony Khan is known for quietly removing talent from television when a WWE transition is suspected.
Similar situations occurred with Ricky Starks (Saints), Rey Fenix, and Penta, whose screen time declined before their exits. Meanwhile, Malakai Black remained on-air until just before he left.
At age 26, May’s profile is rising rapidly, and her potential transition could mark one of the most important moves in women’s wrestling this year. If she does head to WWE, it could signal the early phase of a major talent change in the ongoing rivalry between AEW and WWE.
