Former AEW Women’s World Champion Mariah May officially departed the company and immediately went on to debut on WWE NXT this week.
As a result, AEW has lost one of its top heels and a perennial rival to current champion Toni Storm.
Here are eight potential AEW replacements for the spot Mariah May filled as a top heel in the women’s division.
8. Megan Bayne
Megan Bayne has already made a big impact in a short amount of time on the AEW roster.
Bringing a similar look and powerful presence to Mariah May, it also seems as though Bayne can be relied upon for the acting skills necessary to anchor a long program.
After already losing a title match to Timeless Toni Storm at AEW Dynasty, it would make sense for their feud to come back around in the future.
Able to go toe-to-toe with the top of the AEW women’s division, Megan Bayne is definitely still a star to watch in AEW.
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7. Thekla
A week before Mariah May appeared in WWE NXT, Thekla made her first appearance in AEW.
Her debut was clearly something that had been planned for a while as there had been teasers on-screen for a few weeks before she showed up to attack Jamie Hayter.
The Austrian makes her in-ring debut on tonight’s Fyter Fest edition of Dynamite, with some big things clearly planned for her future.
What remains to be seen is whether she can form the same kind of bond with the fans that May managed to get in a relatively short period of time.
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6. Elayna Black (Cora Jade)
While she has just departed NXT where she was known as Cora Jade, Elayna Black is already back in action.
Confirmed for a lot of independent bookings this summer already, she has already confirmed that having previously appeared in AEW, she would be open to returning.
With interest in character work as well as veteran in-ring abilities, Elayna Black could be a viable contender from day one.
Similarly to how Mariah May appears to already be positioned on NXT, Elayna Black could also make a huge debut in AEW.
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5. Skye Blue
In terms of young performers with great audience connection and a lot of future potential, Skye Blue could be a homegrown replacement for Mariah May in AEW.
Back in action after a complicated injury took her off TV since July 2024, Skye Blue returned to fan support despite being a heel.
Since returning last month, she has had a match on Dynamite and Collision, but unfortunately lost both.
Probably due for a run as a babyface, perhaps Skye Blue could be a future challenger for the TNT Championship.
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4. Priscilla Kelly (Gigi Dolin)
Another released WWE star that seemingly still has a lot of upside is the former Gigi Dolin, now returning to her former ring name Priscilla Kelly.
After it was revealed that Kelly was amongst the recent talent cuts, fans immediately wondered if she would be headed to TNA Wrestling or AEW.
With a unique look and veteran skills, Kelly could easily fill the role left by the departed Mariah May.
Joining a top storyline straight away would make total sense, regardless of what character Kelly wanted to portray in AEW.
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3. Jamie Hayter
Jamie Hayter returned from injury with a unique look but continued her dominant performances.
Getting all the way to the finals of the Owen Hart Cup tournament only to fall to Mercedes Mone, it seems unlikely that Hayter will back down anytime soon.
Definitely a fan favorite already, Jamie Hayter would be an ideal character to have a major feud with Timeless Toni Storm or Mercedes Mone in the near future.
Still looking to recapture the AEW Women’s Championship, Hayter has the in-ring skills and character abilities to take over the division once again when given the chance.
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2. Mara Sadé (Jakara Jackson)
Recently confirming that she will be taking independent bookings upon the end of her non-compete clause is former WWE star Jakara Jackson.
Now announcing her ring name will be Mara Sadé, the talented former Meta-Four member could definitely add a lot to the AEW women’s division.
Charismatic in the ring and on the mic, it would make sense to see her land in AEW at some point in the future.
Able to function believably as a singles star or as a part of a tag team, Sadé would be the perfect fit to fill the shoes of a younger protege poised to try and take everything from their mentor, just like Mariah May did.
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1. Athena
While Mariah May and Timeless Toni Storm feuded over the AEW Women’s Championship, the ROH Women’s Championship has been maintained firmly in the grasp of one woman.
Athena has remained ROH Women’s Champion for over 900 days.
In ROH, a long storyline played out between Billie Starkz and Athena, ultimately leading to their mentor vs. protege showdown at ROH Final Battle 2024, so Athena has already proven her ability to carry a big storyline.
Not to be overlooked as a top star who is signed to AEW, Athena could prove to be a violent replacement for Mariah May if she starts making more regular appearances on AEW TV.
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