Blake Monroe Reacts to Mark Henry’s Praise

Posted by admin on May 19th, 2026

Blake Monroe has shared her reaction to Mark Henry’s recent praise, saying his comments about her old‑school style made her smile and perfectly matched the identity she plans to bring to WWE SmackDown. Monroe spoke with Vicente Beltrán about Henry’s remarks and how they reflect the wrestler she aims to be on the main roster.

Monroe was officially called up to WWE late last month, with her first vignette airing on the April 24 episode of SmackDown. She has not yet stepped into the ring for her blue‑brand debut, but Henry — who worked with her during her AEW run as Mariah May — recently described her as “an old school, throwback wrestler,” a label she embraced.

Reflecting on Henry’s words, Monroe said, “That means a lot. I mean, I love Mark Henry. I was smiling while reading that, which I don’t often smile. It did make me really happy because I do think I’m pretty old school and pretty traditional. You know, I’m a wrestlers’ wrestler, and if you look at my journey and moving all around the world and getting good at this craft, I think, like I said, Blake Monroe has something that not every woman has. And don’t get me wrong, everybody’s journey is special, but I’m a wrestler’s wrestler, and I think you’re going to see that when I do eventually decide to debut on SmackDown.”

Monroe also hinted that her debut could happen during WWE’s European Summer Tour, possibly when SmackDown travels to Spain. WWE has not confirmed a date, but Monroe made it clear she wants her first appearance to reflect the identity she has built across her career.

Before joining AEW in late 2023, Monroe wrestled around the world, including a successful run in Stardom where she held the Goddesses of Stardom Championship with Mina Shirakawa. She also captured the inaugural Slammaster Women’s Championship and the United Wrestling Network Women’s Championship during her independent career. As Mariah May in AEW, she became AEW Women’s World Champion, and her rivalry with Toni Storm remains one of the most acclaimed women’s storylines in recent years.

With strong praise from a WWE Hall of Famer and a clear sense of who she wants to be on SmackDown, Monroe appears ready to make a major impact when her debut finally arrives.