WWE officially confirmed the addition of three new athletes to its Performance Center talent roster today. The three recruits, Meghan Walker, Cyrus Habibi-Likio, and Jessica Bogdanov, all signed after impressing officials at the SummerSlam week tryouts held a few months ago. WWE had previously reported the intention to sign all three of the prospective athletes.
Meghan Walker, a decorated athlete at the collegiate level, previously ran track for the University of Nebraska. She was already signed to the WWE NIL (Next In Line) program before transitioning to a full-time contract. Cyrus Habibi-Likio is an accomplished former college football player. He played running back for Boise State, where he showcased impressive athleticism.
The third new recruit, Jessica Bogdanov, is an accomplished gymnast of Russian heritage. She is also a recognized name in the world of Calisthenics, winning the Freestyle Calisthenics World Championships in 2015. These additions continue WWE’s strategy of recruiting athletes from diverse sports backgrounds for their developmental system.
In addition to the announcement of the new recruits, news has emerged regarding a recent WWE signing from overseas. The French wrestler Aigle Blanc, who recently reported to the Performance Center, looks to be using a new name for his on-screen appearances. He is set to be known as Elio Lefleur going forward in NXT.
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Lefleur’s new name is already being used to book a significant match in Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide. He is listed under that name for a triple threat match against Jack Cartwheel and Chris Carter. The match is scheduled for the Lucha Libre AAA’s November 28 television taping in Puebla, Mexico.
The winner of the high-stakes match will earn a shot at the prestigious AAA Cruiserweight title. The wrestler, whose real name is Cyril Coquerelle, has previously competed across Europe and in Japan before signing his deal with WWE.
His appearance on the AAA television taping showcases the current working relationship that exists between WWE and the Mexican promotion. It also provides immediate international exposure for the newly branded NXT talent.
Lefleur’s opportunity in AAA directly ties into the ongoing partnership between WWE and the Mexican promotion. The AAA Cruiserweight Championship is one of several titles being defended at AAA’s upcoming major Premium Live Event.
The current AAA Cruiserweight Champion, Laredo Kid, is set to defend his title against fellow NXT star Je’Von Evans at Guerra de Titanes on December 20. This ongoing exchange of talent continues to provide unique inter-promotional match-ups for wrestling fans.
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