In a new video posted to WWE’s Performance Center YouTube channel, the company has confirmed the rumored signing of former independent star Aja Perera. However, she won’t be performing in the ring as a competitor. Instead, Perera (going by real name Aja Smith) will serve as a referee for the company.
https://t.co/tfTk5TqmzW Your love and support over the years has gotten me to this moment. This is bigger than me. To follow a dream. TO MAKE HISTORY. And I’m just getting started.?We can do it all and I’m honored to be lighting the way. Let’s change the world! #BlackGirlMagic
— Daphanie LaShaunn??✨? (@RefBaeDaphWWE) February 5, 2020
The video goes into detail about Aja’s tryout process, which started with the departure of longtime female NXT referee Jessika Carr. Carr was the first full-time female referee in the company, and Aja notes that she’ll be the first full-time African American female referee. Aja also calls her family on camera so we can get a speakerphone reaction to the good news.
You can check out the full behind the scenes clip in the video embedded below:
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