Thekla successfully defended her AEW World Women’s Championship against Starlight Kid at the Forbidden Door event, but the victory was marred by a post-match assault that saw the champion rip off and defile her opponent’s mask. The reigning champion, who has held the title since February after defeating Kris Statlander in a strap match and successfully defending it against multiple challengers at Double or Nothing, had openly challenged both Stardom and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) leading up to the event. Stardom answered the call by sending Starlight Kid to face Thekla in San Jose, California.
A Fierce Championship Bout
The match itself was a hard-fought contest that pushed Thekla to her limits. Starlight Kid proved to be a formidable challenger, demonstrating resilience and a clear determination to reclaim the championship for Japan. Early in the bout, Thekla employed taunts, seemingly confident in her dominance. However, Starlight Kid refused to back down, engaging the champion in a back-and-forth battle. As the match progressed, Starlight Kid targeted Thekla’s knee, applying pressure and attempting to secure a submission hold. The champion, showcasing her championship mettle, managed to escape the hold and narrowly avoid a pinfall, demonstrating that she would not relinquish her title easily.
The intensity escalated as the match neared its conclusion. Thekla found herself tested more severely than in previous title defenses. Despite Starlight Kid’s relentless offense, Thekla rallied, delivering two decisive stomps to finally secure the victory and retain her AEW World Women’s Championship.
Post-Match Carnage and Humiliation
The post-match events, however, overshadowed the hard-fought victory. With Stardom president Taro Okada in attendance, Thekla escalated her aggression. Joined by her allies, Skye Blue and Julia Hart, Thekla’s actions took a disturbing turn. Hart provided Thekla with a pair of scissors, which the champion then used to rip Starlight Kid’s mask from her head. In a further act of disrespect, Thekla spat into the mask before taunting Okada with it and striking the Stardom executive. This brutal display cemented Thekla’s reign as a dominant, albeit villainous, champion, adding a controversial trophy to her collection.
Thekla’s Reign of Dominance
Since capturing the AEW World Women’s Championship, Thekla has established herself as a significant force within the division. Her victory at Forbidden Door against a highly respected international competitor like Starlight Kid further solidifies her championship credentials. The “Toxic Spider,” as she is known, has consistently demonstrated a ruthless approach to her title defenses, often employing psychological tactics alongside her in-ring prowess. Her willingness to engage in interpromotional challenges highlights her ambition to be recognized as the premier women’s champion across different wrestling organizations.
The post-match assault on Starlight Kid, particularly the desecration of her mask and the confrontation with Taro Okada, signals a new level of animosity and disrespect from Thekla towards her opponents and their respective promotions. This act is likely to fuel further interpromotional rivalries and set the stage for future confrontations. The presence of Skye Blue and Julia Hart as her enforcers suggests a growing faction aligned with Thekla, potentially creating a dominant stable within AEW’s women’s division.
Looking Ahead
Thekla’s retention of the AEW World Women’s Championship at Forbidden Door, coupled with her aggressive post-match actions, leaves the wrestling world buzzing. Her victory over Starlight Kid proves her capability against international talent, while the controversial ending ensures continued attention on her reign. The implications for Stardom and NJPW remain to be seen, but Thekla’s challenge and subsequent actions have certainly ignited a fire. As Thekla continues her championship run, the wrestling landscape, particularly the women’s divisions of AEW, Stardom, and NJPW, will undoubtedly be shaped by her dominant and often brutal presence.
