Backstage Update on Nikki Blackheart’s WWE In-Ring Name Following NXT Debut

An update on Nikki Blackheart’s WWE in-ring name following her NXT debut last night. As noted previously, Blackheart showed up in the closing moments of last night’s NXT after the main event bout between Kelani Jordan and former Women’s North American Champion Tatum Paxley.

Paxley’s night ended on a disastrous note, as she not only lost to Kelani Jordan in a grudge match but was also blindsided by the newest arrival to the NXT roster, Nikki Blackheart.

Blackheart rained down blows on Paxley and then locked her in a torture rack to deliver a statement. However, the commentators did not name her during the segment.

Following last night’s show, Bryan Alvarez of the Wrestling Observer reported that trademark issues have led to Nikki’s name not being finalized. However, she is likely to have a name by next Tuesday.

“Apparently some trademark things involving Nikki Blackheart aren’t finalized, which is why she had no name whatsoever in her NXT debut last night. But she’ll likely have a name by this time next week,” Alvarez wrote.

Nikki Blackheart signed with WWE in March 2026 and made her in-ring debut as Martinez for the company via a Dark match in May against Skylar Rae. Since then, she has been working NXT live events, with her most recent outing being against Nikkita Lyons.

The NXT Women's Division just keeps getting STRONGER!! 💪 pic.twitter.com/ZADQENuvb0

— WWE (@WWE) July 1, 2026