The future looks bright for Ember Moon. She’s the reigning and defending NXT Women’s Champion, and a woman who is well on her way to becoming WWE’s next breakthrough superstar. She picked up the proverbial mantle, left by Asuka, as the leader of the NXT women’s division. And much like Asuka, Moon has an in-ring presence and ability that cannot be duplicated by anyone on the roster.
Tonight, Moon may have to face her toughest challenge to date as she’s scheduled to defend her championship against Shayna Baszler at NXT TakeOver: New Orleans. She might even appear in the WrestleMania Women’s battled royal this Sunday night (but that’s just speculation since she’ll likely be in town during WrestleMania 34).
Who Is Ember Moon?
Moon’s real name is Adrienne Reese. She was born on August 31, 1988, in Garland, Texas. Before signing with the WWE in September 2015, Reese had spent almost a decade touring the independent scene. She’s a former ACW Televised Champion, a 2-time AIW Women’s Champion, a 3-time ACW American Joshi Championship, and a PWA Women’s Champion, as well as the winner of the ACW Queen of Queens Tournament (2012). She wrestled in promotions such as Anarchy Championship Wrestling, Shimmer Women Athletes, and Women’s Superstars Uncensored, among others.
Moon appeared for the first time on live WWE TV at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn II on August 20, 2016. At that event, she battled Billie Kay and came out victorious, finishing off her opponent with a diving corkscrew stunner.
This 29-year-old Texan is known for her epic battles with Asuka on the NXT brand. She lost to “The Empress of Tomorrow” Asuka at both NXT TakeOver: Orlando and NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III. But losing to the undefeated empress didn’t hinder Moon’s rise to the top.
After Asuka relinquished the NXT Women’s Championship due to injury, Moon seized the opportunity, besting three of NXT’s top female superstars for the gold. She won the championship in November 2017 during a fatal-four way match, involving Peyton Royce, Nikki Cross and Kairi Sane.
Moon appeared on a main roster WWE pay-per-view for the first time as part of the first-ever women’s Royal Rumble match. She entered the match at #23, but was eliminated by her long-time rival Asuka.
This Saturday night, Moon will put her NXT Women’s Championship on the line against Shayna Baszler. This will be a rematch from their encounter at NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia in January. Moon was able to come out on top in that match despite suffering a storyline arm injury. Will Moon once again rise to the occasion tonight in New Orleans?
