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Aja Smith is now in the WWE history books –CNN

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.

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 WWE.

“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.

“Referees are really the unsung heroes,” Smith said on the importance of referees to the pro wrestling industry. “They put in so much work and they’re seemingly invisible, but without them, there would be no wrestling, honestly.”

However, the highlight of the video was when she was told that WWE would be hiring her.

“This is the greatest moment of my life,” Smith said. “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…”

“That is the greatest moment of my life,” Smith said through tears. “Having this platform as a female, as a female of color, is really an honor and I’m so thankful to be given this moment.”

Smith took to Twitter after the announcement.
“Your love and support over the years has gotten me to this moment. This is bigger than me. To follow a dream. TO MAKE HISTORY. And I’m just getting started. We can do it all and I’m honored to be lighting the way. Let’s change the world! #BlackGirlMagic,” she tweeted.
The WWE also tweeted: “For Aja Smith, a dream has now become history.”