WWE NXT’s Blake Monroe Weighs The Importance Of Storytelling Vs. Athleticism

The transition of Mariah May to WWE as Blake Monroe has become one of the most talked-about career pivots in modern wrestling. Ahead of NXT Stand & Deliver 2026, Monroe sat down with ReviewSTL to discuss her philosophy on “The Glamour”—a character she describes as having a duality of outward confidence and an underlying “woman from hell” edge.

Here are the key takeaways from her interview regarding the power of storytelling over pure athleticism.

The “Storytelling Over Gymnastics” Philosophy

Monroe was candid about her in-ring style, emphasizing that while she considers herself a “fantastic wrestler,” she doesn’t rely on “25 moonsaults” to capture an audience.

• Marrying Character and Ring: She believes her best work comes when her physical actions in the ring “marry” her character perfectly.

• The “Jeff Hardy” Factor: She cited childhood memories of Jeff Hardy finally winning the world title as proof that fans remember the emotion of a moment rather than the complexity of the stunts.

• WrestleMania 40 Parallel: She used Cody Rhodes “finishing the story” against Roman Reigns as a recent example of how a multi-year narrative is what defines the “stars on top.”

“Nobody cares if you can’t do some gymnastics. At least I don’t.” — Blake Monroe

Reflecting on the “Hollywood Ending”

Though now in WWE, Monroe acknowledged the impact of her past work, specifically her 2024–2025 rivalry with “Timeless” Toni Storm in AEW.

• Masterclass in Narrative: The feud, which culminated in a brutal “Hollywood Ending” match at AEW Revolution 2025, is widely regarded as a turning point for women’s wrestling storytelling.

• The Transition: Monroe wrapped up her AEW run in early 2025 and made a shock debut in NXT on June 3, 2025, appearing on the balcony of the Capitol Wrestling Center to confront Jacy Jayne.

Stand & Deliver 2026: The Mission

As Monroe nears her one-year anniversary with WWE, her sights are set on the NXT Women’s North American Championship.

• Current Feud: She has been embroiled in a heated rivalry with Tatum Paxley over the title.

• The “Total Package”: Monroe stated that her global experience (including her time in Stardom in Japan) makes her feel like a “total package” who is ready to take over the division.

Would you like me to check the official results from Stand & Deliver to see if Blake Monroe successfully reclaimed the North American Championship from Tatum Paxley?