NXT referee Aja Smith has received a new name and will now be going by Daphanie LaShaunn. She has updated her social media to reflect this name change. It was reported by Fightful on Nov. 16 that WWE has trademarked the name ‘Daphanie LaShaunn’ and now we know who it belongs to. Smith joined WWE … Read more
NXT Referee Aja Smith has announced her engagement to NXT North American Champion Leon Ruff. Smith, who is formerly known as Aja Perera on the indie scene, signed with WWE earlier this year. Her signing in February has made her the first-ever full-time African American female referee for the company. Her in-ring career shouldn’t go … Read more
Several women from the NXT brand and the Performance Center are celebrating Black History Month with an incredibly vulnerable photo. This photo includes a total of seven powerful and strong women who are just some of the many black women who continue to break down barriers in this industry. The photoshoot features Aja Smith, Kayden … Read more
Aja Smith has made her referee debut at an NXT live event on Friday in Ocala, Fla. Smith, formerly known by the ring name Aja Perera, signed with the company earlier this month. Her tryout took place in December. She officiated a match between Taynara and Shotzi Blackheart. Smith makes history in this position as … Read more