A former “WWE NXT” star is reportedly backstage ahead of Friday night’s edition of “WWE SmackDown” from the Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky, based on a brand new report. The star is the last of the recent post-WrestleMania call-ups yet to make their debut.
In response to PWInsider Elite, former Women’s North American Champion Blake Monroe is backstage at “SmackDown.” The outlet didn’t report whether or not she is about to debut on Friday night’s show, nonetheless. Monroe defeated Jordynne Grace in a dark match before last week’s episode of the blue brand.
Monroe’s debut has been teased for weeks, after she lost a casket match for the Women’s NA Championship to Tatum Paxley on the April 21 edition of the show. Various video vignettes, similar to people who aired for her on “NXT,” showing Monroe in a glamorous setting, preparing at home, have been shown on each TV and WWE’s social media.
The previous Mariah May in AEW was amongst those “NXT” talents to be called up after WrestleMania 42. Joe Hendry, Sol Ruca, and Ethan Page debuted on “WWE Raw,” while former NXT Champion Ricky Saints made his presence known on the blue brand by first difficult Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. Trick Williams, Oba Femi, and Je’Von Evans, all who performed of their first WrestleMania this 12 months, were called up ahead of the “Showcase of the Immortals.”
Monroe debuted in “NXT” in June 2025, days after it was revealed she was departing AEW. She never held the NXT Women’s Championship on the brand, despite claiming she was headed for the debut during her debut.