Referee Aja Smith made her RAW debut on tonight’s show, officiating the match between Bobby Lashley and NXT star Denzel Dejournette. However, she was given the chance to show off her skills in the WWE Raw ring when Bobby Lashley and Denzel Dejournette were fighting. The former SHINE Tag Team Champion and SHINE Nova Champion was signed by … In December, the WWE Performance Center held its winter tryouts for both in-ring talent and referees. A new female referee arrives at WWE! WWE has signed indie wrestler Aja Smith, who wrestled under the name of Aja Perera, to a deal and will be joining the NXT brand as the second female WWE referee. As you can see from pics below, Smith refereed the Shotzi Blackheart vs. Taynara Conti match on the show. WWE confirmed today that Aja, now using the name Aja Smith, has been signed to work as a referee. Don’t let anyone devalue you. Famously known as Aja Perera, the 25-year-old “competed across the United States, Japan and Mexico under the name Aja Perera, and has held the SHINE Nova and Tag Team Championship,” according to a statement by the WWE. He served as a part-time scout for several NFL and USFL teams before joining the Buffalo Bills in 1986, serving as a scout and executive for them for 14 years. There is evidence to back up this claim as well. Aja Smith indie women wrestler has signed with WWE and reported to the WWE Performance Center, becoming the first full-time African-American female referee signed to WWE. AGR 1 min read . Updated 0535 GMT (1335 HKT) February 8, 2020 . Aja Smith Makes WWE RAW Debut, Denzel Dejournette Returns To Action On RAW (Videos) By Marc Middleton | April 27, 2020 Tonight's WWE RAW on the USA Network saw referee Aja Smith (Aja … “They put in so much work and they’re seemingly invisible, but without them, there would be no wrestling, honestly.”. She also won two championships. - The Forgotten Sons (Blake and Cutler) w/Ryker defeated Aleksandar and Tehuti Miles - Dio Maddin defeated Ridge Holland via DQ . Aja Smith will fight to ensure that March Air Reserve Base does not close down and suffer the horrible economic effects. !” Love of my life I can’t wait!! Congratulations are in order to NXT North American Champion Leon Ruff and NXT referee Aja Smith, who announced their engagement. The live event took place from Ocala, FL. Now, he's taken to social media, to announced his engagement to NXT referee Aja Smith. Life is so cool. The live event took place from Ocala, FL. Aja Smith Debuts As a Referee at WWE NXT Live Event (Photos) By. Fightful would like to congratulate Smith and Ruff on their engagement. Somewhere in the video, Smith spoke out about how she almost skipped a championship match last year because she wanted to be with her sick mother. Ruff first appeared on WWE television in March and was signed by the company in July after WWE purchased EVOLVE. Aja Smith primarily referees for NXT. The referee for the match was Aja Smith, and she happens to be dating Ruff. Aja Smith is making history in WWE. In May, Smith expressed her excitement over refereeing one of Ruff's matches. Smith, Timothy Thatcher and Killer Kross all signed with WWE last month: We have the NXT debut of referee @PereraPower here in Ocala, FL. The following night during the thir… Brewer • Danilo Anfibio • Darrick Moore • Darryl Sharma • Drake Wuertz • Eddie Orengo • Jason Ayers • Jessika Carr • John Cone • Shawn Bennett • Rod Zapata • Ryan Tran. ?????? The former Aja Perera was announced as joining the WWE Performance Center on Feb. 5, making the transition from wrestler to referee. (CNN) -- Aja Smith is now in the WWE history books. NXT TakeOver: Stand And Deliver - Night One, NXT TakeOver: Stand And Deliver - Night Two. It was still a big moment for Aja Smith and Leon Ruff. Smith was signed as the wrestling company's first full-time African American female referee Wednesday. I SAID YES! Aja Smith has signed on with the WWE to become the first black female referee in the league. Aja Smith debuted as a WWE NXT referee during Friday night’s live event in Ocala, Florida. Leon Ruff’s charmed November rolls on.. Ruff shared on social media that he is engaged to NXT referee Aja Smith. We would like to send you notifications for the latest news and updates. A video released by the WWE Performance Center channel on YouTube shows Smith at the WWE Performance tryouts held last December. NXT North American Champion Leon Ruff and WWE referee Aja Smith are now engaged to be married. 0. This match featured the NXT debut of referee Aja Smith. Smith competed across the United States, Japan and Mexico under the name Aja Perera, and has held … The wrestling organization announced the news via a touching video posted on YouTube. Independent star Smith debuted in October 2013 under the ring name Aja Perera and has been involved in scores of independent promotions, including Shimmer, Canadian Wrestling Elite, and Lucha Libre Femenil, according to reports. This is bigger than me. WWE superstar Leon Ruff and referee Aja Smith get engaged as the NXT North American champion opens up on their dream wrestling romance. Copyright 2021 Shazzu, Inc. All Rights Reserved. It was a moment she never thought could happen. Put some respect on my name. Tonight’s WWE RAW on the USA Network saw referee Aja Smith (Aja Perera) make her main roster debut. By Amir Vera, CNN. Rhett Titus Says Kenny King's ROH Return Was To Originally Be As The "Kind Caress" Under A Mask, Parker Boudreaux "Extremely Early" In Learning The Wrestling Business, Per WWE Sources, Rhett Titus Recalls Training With Daniel Bryan, Wishing He Was More Experienced, Shazza McKenzie SHOOTS SOFTLY On Jordynne Grace, Leyla Hirsch, AJ Gray, More, Vince McMahon Loved The March 1 Sheamus vs. Drew McIntyre Match On WWE Raw, NJPW New Japan Cup Night Eight Results (3/14): Zack Sabre Jr Clashes With Will Ospreay, IMPACT Wrestling Presents Sacrifice Results New TNA, Tag Team & X-Division Champions Crowned, PROGRESS Chapter 106: Stick A Pony In Me Pocket Results (3/13): Kanji, Cara Noir, And More In Action, Stardom Results (3/13/21): Hanan Returns, Ruaka Issues Challenge For Future Of Stardom Title, NJPW New Japan Cup Night Seven Results (3/13): KENTA Locks Up With Minoru Suzuki. Aja Smith officially made her NXT live event debut on Friday, Feb. 21. The 25-year-old famously known as Aja Perera, “competed across the United States, Japan and Mexico under the name Aja Perera, and has held the SHINE Nova and Tag Team Championship,” according to a statement by the … Ruff and NXT referee Aja Smith revealed earlier this week that they are now engaged to be married. Smith refereed the women's bout between Shotzi Blackheart and Taynara Conti. Now, she is one of the women who are rising through the ranks in NXT as referees. “I SAID YES! Indie women’s wrestler Aja Smith has signed with WWE and reported to the WWE Performance Center, becoming the first full-time African-American female referee signed to WWE. Another reason WWE consider her to be making history is because of the way she is breaking boundaries and moving forward. ! We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Referee Aja Smith has signed with WWE and reported to the WWE Performance Center, becoming the first African-American female referee signed to WWE. Aja Smith made her debut as an NXT referee at Friday’s live event in Ocala, Florida. If elected, Aja would become the first African-American female Republican to serve in Congress from California. In May, Smith expressed her excitement over refereeing one of … WWE.COM confirmed the news, saying that Smith will be the first African-American full-time female referee in WWE history. The WWE hired its first Black female referee, Aja Smith. In SHINE Wrestling she is a former SHINE Nova Champion. WWE.COM confirmed the news, saying that Smith will be the first African-American full-time female referee in WWE history. You can view the announcement and photos in the media below. The election is going to be held on November 3, 2020.She also stood for the election in 2018 for the same seat but she lost the election on … L'influence des journalistes de La Presse s'étend aujourd'hui au-delà du lectorat du journal et plusieurs d'entre eux sont invités à commenter l'actualité dans d'autres médias. … The former wrestler competed across the United States, Japan and Mexico under the name Aja Perera. If you would have told me a year ago I’d be a referee, let alone referee my boyfriend’s match on TV, I woulda neverrrr believed it! TO MAKE HISTORY. Jim Ross Says Brock Lesnar Was Upset With His WrestleMania XX Pay, Thought WWE Screwed Him. Aja Smith officiated that contest and she was very happy to be there. NXT Referee Aja Smith has announced her engagement to NXT North American Champion Leon Ruff. Wrestler Aja Smith becomes first African-American female referee in WWE . NXT official Aja Smith and North American Champion Leon Ruff announce their engagement. It is essential that we find employment for our veterans and continue to bring jobs back to the Inland Empire. Early in the month of November, Ruff would go on to shock Johnny Gargano and the WWE Universe by … "I SAID YES!," Smith wrote on Twitter along with a photo of the two together and one showing the bling on her finger. [crying face emoji] [bride emoji] [ring emoji] #FutureMrsRuffin @LEONRUFF_,” she wrote. Aja Smith may not be the first-ever female referee, but she is the company's first-ever African-American female referee. Create an account or log in to Instagram - A simple, fun & creative way to capture, edit & share photos, videos & messages with friends & family. And I’m just getting started. NXT North American champion Leon Ruff has proposed to his girlfriend, NXT referee Aja Smith. Ruff and NXT referee Aja Smith revealed earlier this week that they are now engaged to be married. Smith took to Twitter this afternoon and revealed that Ruff popped the question, and she said yes. Indie women’s wrestler Aja Smith has signed with WWE and reported to the WWE Performance Center, becoming the first full-time African-American female referee signed to WWE. — Aja Christmas-- (@RefAjaWWE) November 30, 2020 Smith was signed by WWE as a referee in February. “I can’t wait!! Aja Smith primarily referees for NXT. Jessica Carr had been the first female referee in NXT and moved up to the main roster in November 2019. Smith competed across the United States, Japan and Mexico under the name Aja Perera, and has held the … WWE signed her earlier this year, but as a referee instead of as a wrestler. Aja Smith debuted as a WWE NXT referee during Friday night’s live event in Ocala, Florida. WWE is a professional wrestling promotion based in Stamford, Connecticut. WWE touted the signing as their first full-time African-American female referee. Carr recently moved from NXT to the SmackDown brand. Her signing in February has made her the first-ever full-time African American female referee for the company. Create an account or log into Facebook. WWE NXT (TV Series 2010– ) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. Smith posted photos of the two and her new ring on social media. Her tryout took place in December. “This is the greatest moment of my life,” Smith said. “She will now don the stripes and join the crew of referees who enforce the rules for NXT every week on USA Network,” the statement added. She refereed a Shotzi Blackheart vs. Taynara Conti match. It is an independent wrestler Aja Perera who signed with WWE reports. “It’s something I never thought of, and just to think to myself, I’m going to be the first African American female referee in WWE…”, Wrestler Aja Smith becomes first African-American female referee in WWE, Famously known as Aja Perera, the 25-year-old “competed across the United States, Japan and Mexico under the name Aja Perera, and has held the SHINE Nova and Tag Team Championship,”, Independent star Smith debuted in October 2013 under the ring name. Ridge used his old-timey police baton as a weapon for the DQ. Smith joins Jessika Carr on the side of female referees at WWE. First full-time African American female referee for the WWE. Tonight’s WWE RAW on the USA Network saw referee Aja Smith (Aja Perera) make her main roster debut. November 30, 2020 Andrew Thompson NEWS Several weeks ago, NXT’s Leon Ruff won the North American Championship from Johnny Gargano and fast forward to present day, he and NXT referee Aja Smith have gotten engaged. The wrestling organization announced the news via a touching video posted on YouTube. Smith, who is a native of Brazil and currently resides outside Atlanta, GA, was at a WWE Tryout in December 2019 and offered a contract not too long after. So here she is now at WWE, where her name will be Aja Smith. Prior to becoming a referee, Smith was a wrestler who went by the name Aja Perera and competed across the US, Japan, and Mexico. Home > News & Business > News > The Diaspora > Wrestler Aja Smith becomes first African-American female referee in WWE. Lashley won the match in quick order. “Love of my life,” Ruff wrote. However, in the history of the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), it hasn’t happened that a female African American has become a full-time referee. NXT North American Champion Leon Ruff and NXT referee Aja Smith broke the news on Monday that the pair were officially engaged. … Of course, there’s always a first time and when Aja Smith posted on her twitter feed that she has become the first full-time female African American to be approved as a referee for the WWE, the joy that ensued was understandable. Smith took to Twitter this afternoon and revealed that Ruff popped the question, and she said yes. Referee Aja Smith has signed with WWE and reported to the WWE Performance Center, becoming the first African-American full-time female referee signed to WWE. Click here to watch the entire … After entering the ring in the United States, Japan, and Mexico, she participated in a tryout last December, visibly conclusive since WWE offered her a contract. Connect with friends, family and other people you know. Speculation was put to rest later in the day as it was revealed that Aja Smith (Perera) had also joined the company. -- #NXT pic.twitter.com/NXTANbp7Rh. Aja Perera (June 9, 1994) is a Brazilian professional wrestler and referee currently signed to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). It showed Smith going through training with several other female referee recruits. Professional wrestling career Early years … However, in the history of the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), it hasn’t happened that a female African American has become a full-time referee. -------- #FutureMrsRuffin @LEONRUFF_ pic.twitter.com/zJS43uUTE6. Referee Aja Smith has signed with WWE and reported to the WWE Performance Center, becoming the first African-American full-time female referee signed to WWE. Paul Gascoigne (Glasgow Rangers) shows Scottish referee the yellow card, unfortunately this ref has no sense of humor. Aja Smith is a former wrestetler and has competed in promotions like SHINE. Aja Smith is a well-known politician who is also a candidate standing for the election for United States House of Representatives representing California. Smith was seen working out and refereeing a few matches. Unlike the two male superstars, Smith will be joining as a referee. Aja Perera tried out along with Elaine Simon under the watchful eyes of head coach Matt Bloom, head referee Drake Wurtz and other personnel. At least he will always be a winner to her. Smith refereed the women's bout between Shotzi Blackheart and Taynara Conti. Aja Smith Becomes The First African American Woman To Be A Referee In The WWE by | May 7, 2020 | Entertainment , Sports | 0 comments The WWE is the largest wrestling promotion in the world, holding over 500 events a year, with the roster divided up into various globally traveling brands, and is available to about 36 million viewers in more than 150 countries. “Referees are really the unsung heroes,” Smith said on the significance of referees to the pro wrestling industry. On the September 26 during the second night of the CWE Girls, Girls, Girls Tour event, Perera wrestled twice, first losing a singles match to Bambi Hall before later teaming with Gisele Shaw & Sahara Se7en in a losing tag match against Ashley Frost, Bambi Hall & Kat Von Heez. Jessica Carr had been the first female referee in NXT and moved up to the main roster in November 2019. Ruff first appeared on WWE television in March and was signed by the company in July after WWE purchased EVOLVE. Pre-Show Panel pic.twitter.com/nqqRXGf23f — Aja Smith (@RefAjaWWE) May 7, 2020 Famously known as Aja Perera, the 25-year-old “competed across the United States, Japan and Mexico under the name Aja Perera, and has held the SHIN Smith, who is formerly known as Aja Perera on the indie scene, signed with WWE earlier this year. Get exclusive combat sports content on Fightful Select, our premium news service! Smith, Timothy Thatcher and Killer Kross all signed with WWE last month: We have the NXT debut of referee @PereraPower here in Ocala, FL. Smith tweeted, “Your love and support over the years has gotten me to this moment. Smith makes history in this position as […] Albert J. Smith (born February 28, 1949) is a former American football player, coach, scout, and executive. La Presse est un grand quotidien montréalais publié depuis 1884. Referees; Aja Smith • Chad Patton • Charles Robinson • Dan Engler • D.A. Share photos and videos, send messages and get updates. Ruff did this interview before the engagement, but he talked about how excited they were over the title win, being grateful to be able to share the triumph with Aja, and his family’s reaction to the win, despite them not knowing much about the sport. ? And just like any other sport, the essence of a referee cannot be underscored. 1 Professional wrestling career 1.1 Early years 1.2 Canadian Wrestling's Elite (2015) 1.3 Girl Fight (2015-2018) 1.4 Lucha Libre Femenil (2015-2016) 1.5 SHIMMER Women Athletes (2017) 1.6 Queens Of … Referee Aja Smith has signed with WWE and reported to the WWE Performance Center, becoming the first African-American full-time female referee signed to WWE. WWE Referee Aja Smith has revealed on Twitter that she is currently dating NXT performer Leon Ruff, after calling a match of his on last night's … African Champions. Smith was signed as the wrestling company’s first full-time African American female referee Wednesday. In December, the WWE Performance Center held its winter tryouts for both in-ring talent and referees. is a Brazilian female professional wrestler known for her work in SHINE Wrestling where she is a former SHINE Nova Champion. However, the highlight of the video was when she was told that WWE would be hiring her. @LeonRuffsxe you’re always a winner to me. Aja Smith officially made her NXT live event debut on Friday, Feb. 21. We can do it all and I’m honored to be lighting the … Famously known as Aja Perera, the 25-year-old “competed across the United States, Japan and Mexico under the name Aja Perera, and has held the SHIN