Nikki Blackheart may already be getting comfortable inside WWE’s system after reportedly signing with the company earlier this year.
Before the May 19 episode of WWE NXT went live on The CW from the WWE Performance Center, Blackheart competed in a dark match for the live crowd in attendance.
According to those at the taping, Blackheart wrestled under the name “Martinez” and defeated LFG season two winner Skylar Raye during the pre-show match.
The appearance immediately added more fuel to reports from earlier this year claiming Blackheart had officially signed with WWE following the company’s February tryouts in Orlando.
WWE officials were heavily impressed with Blackheart during the tryout process and moved quickly to bring her into the company. Now, it appears she’s already beginning the transition into WWE’s developmental environment.
Blackheart originally launched her in-ring career in 2024 and quickly built a name for herself on the independent wrestling scene, particularly through Coastal Championship Wrestling in Florida.
She also worked several AAA crossover events in Mexico alongside independent promotions and shared the ring with names such as Harley Cameron, Abadon, and Aleah James during her rise.
At the time WWE interest surfaced, Blackheart was recognized as the reigning CCW Women’s Champion and had recently dropped the MPX Women’s Championship to Priscilla Kelly earlier this year.
The dark match appearance suggests WWE may already be testing potential presentation ideas for Blackheart internally, especially with her reportedly competing under the “Martinez” name instead of Nikki Blackheart.
With WWE constantly searching for fresh names to develop inside NXT, Blackheart appears to be another independent standout beginning the next stage of her wrestling career inside the company’s system.
Do you think Nikki Blackheart could become a breakout star in WWE NXT? Let us know your thoughts and feedback in the comments below.
