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Yesterday, WWE confirmed four major new signings, who have all reported to the Performance Center this week.
Over the past two years, the likes of Matt Riddle, Humberto Carrillo, Mia Yim, Austin Theory, Bronson Reed, Chelsea Green, Damian Priest and many others have joined the Performance Center, so it's definitely worth noting down some of these names - as they may be making an impact on the black and gold brand very, very soon!
I recently spoke with Tyson Fury and asked all about what it's like training at WWE's state-of-the-art Performance Center.
"Unbelievable facility. One of the best facilities in the world for training. I just wish there were more facilities like that in boxing - to make young fighters become great professionals.
"I think you need more training facilities like that. I know they have one for GB in Sheffield, they have that. But not many for professional sports. If there is even one at all. I don't think so."
Well, the new recruits rocking up to the PC are former Impact Wrestling star Scarlett Bordeaux, EVOLVE star Shotzi Blackheart, Australian independent wrestling sensation Indi Hartwell, and referee Stephon Smith who have all begun their respective journeys as WWE Superstars.
However, if you only watch WWE, or even predominantly watch WWE, you may not be familiar with the new names - so who are they, and what do you need to know ahead of their respective debuts?
Well, don't worry, we've got you covered!
#4 Stephon Smith
The only male member of this new class of recruits is Stephon Smith who most recently worked as a referee for EVOLVE.
Smith started out as an in-ring competitor, and is a graduate of Ohio Valley Wrestling - now run by WWE legend Al Snow - but he would transition from wrestling to refereeing.
The 30-year-old is a former OVW Television Champion, under the name Rump Thump, and a former NWA Fusion Tag Team Champion with Larry McHale.
Smith has also recently been working NXT live events as a referee.
#3 "Impressive" Indi Hartwell
It was reported back in September that “Impressive” Indi Hartwell, real name Samantha De Martin, had signed with WWE.
Born in Melbourne, Hartwell made her in-ring debut back in 2016 after training at the Professional Championship Wrestling Academy and has had a meteoric rise thus far, with the 22-year-old wrestling across several promotions in America such as SHIMMER, RISE and BattleClub Pro, as well as several Australian promotions.
Hartwell has already had her fair share of gold too despite being only three years into her career, winning several titles such as the BCW Women’s Championship, Newy Pro Women’s Championship, RCW Women’s Championship, and WSW Women’s Championship.
The Australian has already shared the ring with the likes of Impact Wrestling's Tessa Blanchard and former AEW talent Kylie Rae.
#2 Shotzi Blackheart
Meanwhile, Shotzi Blackheart, real name Ashley Urbanski, is no stranger to the WWE Universe!
She appeared on WWE Network in a No Disqualification Match at EVOLVE’s 10th Anniversary Special, and WWE even posted a clip of the moment Blackheart was offered a WWE contract at an EVOLVE show last month - by NXT General Manager William Regal!
Blackheart has wrestled in EVOLVE, SHINE, SHIMMER and RISE Wrestling, and comes to WWE following a meteoric rise that saw her become one of the hottest free agents in independent wrestling before making a name for herself at EVOLVE's 10th Anniversary Special.
#1 Scarlett Bordeaux
One name on the list of new recruits who many wrestling fans will be familiar with is Scarlett Bordeaux.
Bordeaux, real name Elizabeth Chihaia, has made a name for herself over the past few years in promotions such as Impact Wrestling, Mexico’s AAA, Ring of Honor and Ohio Valley Wrestling, and actually even competed on RAW back in December 2016 against Nia Jax.
Bordeaux was part of ROH for six years in her first stint, returning to the company earlier in the year, and also became one of the hottest names in Impact Wrestling due to her incredibly unique, risque and boundary-pushing character. Now, it looks like Bordeaux will even have a new gimmick all set out for when she appears on television.
The Super Diva has now started training at WWE's Performance Center following a private tryout.
For more little-known facts about Bordeaux, check out our article on things you didn't know about The Smoke Show!
Are you familiar with any of WWE's new recruits? If so, who are you most excited to see in the ring? Let us know in the comments section below.
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