Mariah May shocked fans when she debuted on the June 3 episode of WWE NXT, officially closing the door on her AEW run. While the move raised eyebrows, Bully Ray believes it was the smartest thing she could’ve done—and says she might’ve already peaked in AEW.
Speaking during Busted Open After Dark, Bully broke down exactly why he thinks May’s departure came at the right moment. He pointed to her final AEW feud with Toni Storm, specifically the much-talked-about “Hollywood Ending” match, as the high point of her run.
“Did Mariah May make the right decision to leave AEW when she did? Did Mariah May max out her potential in AEW? I mean, after the Hollywood Ending match against Toni, I’m not quite sure how Mariah could have topped it.”
Bully added that while some might suggest a future match with Mercedes Moné (formerly Sasha Banks) could have been next, it wouldn’t have offered the same payoff as what she got with Toni Storm.
“She could’ve done something with Sasha [Banks], but with Sasha it’s more of a pro wrestling match. With Toni, it was all about sports entertainment and a great blow-off. A good hardcore blow-off.”
He emphasized just how perfectly that final scene in AEW played out, crediting both women for closing the chapter in dramatic fashion.
“And once again, credit to Mariah May and Toni Storm for that Hollywood Ending match, especially the final, final shot from above where those women are basically hugging each other in the end.”
As far as May’s growth in AEW, Bully had nothing but praise for her consistent development in the ring and on the mic—but reiterated that she’d hit her ceiling in the company.
“Every time I saw Mariah perform in AEW, she took a step forward. Every time I saw her cut a promo, she took a step forward… But I don’t know what else she could’ve done there. She maxed out with Toni.”
Bully also commented on her new WWE journey, reacting to her promo where she called NXT “the greatest women’s division in wrestling.” Bully agreed, saying the move wasn’t just smart—it was necessary.
“We got to see Mariah tonight. She has arrived in what she called the best—the greatest women’s division in pro wrestling. I agree across the board. The women’s division in NXT is excellent.”
He acknowledged WWE’s talent pool is only getting stronger with stars like Roxanne Perez, Stephanie Vaquer, and Giulia now in the mix—but believes NXT is still the best place for May to grow.
“Don’t get me wrong, the main roster just got real strong with Roxanne Perez, Stephanie Vavavoom Vaquer, and Giulia. But Mariah is going to definitely bring something to the table for NXT.”
In fact, Bully thinks May is already ready for the big leagues, but understands why WWE wants to polish her further.
“I think Mariah could step onto the main roster tomorrow—not saying she should, but I could make a case for it based on her AEW work. But they want to groom her their way, and I get that.”
And with veteran minds like Shawn Michaels and Fit Finlay behind the curtain, he believes WWE’s system is exactly what Mariah May needs to hit a new level.
“There are so many people for her to learn from in WWE. More advanced minds. Just look at Shawn Michaels, Fit Finlay… they’ll help her level up.”
Mariah May didn’t just walk out of AEW—she walked out on top. According to Bully Ray, there was nothing left for her to prove, and WWE’s NXT is now her playground. Whether you loved her “Hollywood Ending” or think she bailed too early, one thing’s clear—Mariah made her move while the spotlight was still hot, and she’s not looking back.
Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.
Was it the perfect time for Mariah May to leave AEW and jump to WWE? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.