If you do not want spoilers for SmackDown in London, do not read any further. WWE taped this Friday’s SmackDown last night in the O2 Arena, and this episode provides a closer look at Blake Monroe and her WWE debut. So, if you don’t want to know what happens on SmackDown before it airs or know details about the date of Blake Monroe’s WWE debut, don’t read beyond this point.
Blake Monroe’s WWE Debut Made Official
It’s been a few weeks since WWE started airing vignettes about the pending SmackDown arrival of Blake Monroe. The former NXT Women’s North American Champion’s main roster debut was held back so that she wouldn’t be lost in the shuffle with other NXT call-ups. It also gave WWE time to air videos that introduced audiences to The Glamour.
Multiple reports indicated that Blake Monroe made her WWE debut during last night’s SmackDown taping. The ex-AEW Women’s Champion made her presence felt during the Main Event, in what will most likely be her first official program on the main roster.
Blak Monroe Attacks Giulia on SmackDown in London
SmackDown airs this Friday, but the blue brand taped its show last night in London, England. Guilia vs. Kiana James was the Main Event of the show, with the two former Tag Team partners duking it out in a hard-hitting match.
In the end, Guilia defeated her former assistant with a Northern Lights Bomb. Unfortunately for the former Women’s US Champion, Guilia’s celebration was short-lived. As the ref held up Guilia’s hand, Blake Monroe attacked her former Stardom rival from behind.
Blake Monroe’s WWE Debut In London, England, Gets Mild Reaction?
Every time Blake Monroe is in London, England, The Beautiful Madness seems to make history. The last time Blake Monroe was in London, she was in AEW as Mariah May. Mariah May defeated Toni Storm to win the AEW Women’s Title in front of a sold-out crowd in Wembley Stadium.
On last night’s SmackDown, Mariah May returned home as Blake Monroe. The Glamous made her SmackDown debut in front of her hometown crowd. Footage of Blake Monroe’s WWE debut is now live.
Many reports in the arena said the crowd wasn’t as lively as it was on Monday’s Raw. For one, the arena was only a little more than halfway full on Tuesday. England was facing Ghana in a scoreless game in the United States for the FIFA World Cup. While the match happened in Boston, many Londoners stayed at home or in pubs to watch.
While reports indicate the London crowd was dead for most of the night. Many in attendance said they barely came alive when Blake Monroe made her debut.
Blake Monroe attacked Guilia during her celebration, while the former US Champ’s song was playing. So, some say the fans didn’t register who she was at first.
Nonetheless, Blake Monroe continued with the attack. Eventually, Blake Monroe debuted her new move, dropping Guilia with a Neutralizer, the pancake Piledriver used by Cesaro (now Claudi Castagnoli). The new move caused a slight pop from the crowd, but many were concerned with the lackluster reaction to Blake Monroe’s WWE debut.
Is Blake Monroe In Trouble on the Main Roster?
WWE is really pushing for talent to graduate from NXT quickly. In some instances, it’s worked out, such as Oba Femi and Je’Von Evans. However, there have been a few hiccups with other stars, including Sol Ruca.
Blake Monroe’s WWE debut in her hometown didn’t come with overwhelming fanfare. That could be because Guilia isn’t as popular as WWE hoped, so no one knew whether to boo or cheer. The lack of reaction to Blake Monroe might be because WWE fans aren’t familiar with her work in AEW or NXT.
Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see how WWE edits the final SmackDown show for air. They might pipe in a reaction from the crowd to make her sound like a massive star.
However, even if Blake Monroe’s WWE debut underwhelmed some, it’s not the end of the world for the former AEW Women’s Champion. After all, many panned Danhausen’s WWE debut. Yet, The Very Nice, Very Evil ex-AEW star is now the top merchandise seller and a cultural icon as the King of New York. So, things could work out for Blake Monroe, too!