AEW Double Or Nothing concluded last weekend in Las Vegas. PROGRESS Wrestling collaborates with Pro-Wrestling EVE. Athena defends her Warrior Wrestling Women’s Championship against A.Q.A, and much more. Let’s break it down in this week’s edition of Women’s Wrestling Wrap-Up!
AEW Double Or Nothing: Athena Is All Elite, Owen Hart Foundation Tournament Finals, PVZ’s PPV Debut, Thunder Rosa Retains, Julia Joins House Of Black And More
All Elite Wrestling held their annual Double Or Nothing pay-per-view over the weekend from Las Vegas, Nevada. From a thirteen-match card, there was a lot to unpack and AEW surely delivered with numerous surprises and solid performances. Let’s break some of it down:
Firstly, TBS Champion Jade Cargill laid her championship on the line against Anna Jay, who arrived wearing gear that paid homage to former her “Star Of The Show” gimmick. Cargill dominated much of the bout, but Anna Jay put up a valiant effort against the Champ. In the end, Cargill retained the TBS Championship with a super Jaded to pick up the pinfall.
A recap of the match can be read below, courtesy of our live coverage page:
Cargill backs Jay into the corner. The challenger briefly gains the upper hand, but the champion slams her to the mat. Cargill suplexes Jay and clotheslines her. She rocks Jay with some strikes, but the challenger gains some momentum with a superplex. Cargill doesn’t go down when Jay hits a lariat. Cargill rolls to the outside, and Jay slams her into the steel steps. Kiera Hogan and Red Velvet try to attack Jay, but she drops both with a double DDT. Cargill rocks Jay with a boot, but Jay gets a two count with a roll-through. “Smart” Mark Sterling comes to the ring and slips Cargill his crutch. He distracts the referee, and Jay hits a Russian Leg Sweep with a crutch. John Silver runs to ringside and drops Sterling with a Brainbuster.
Cargill hits the Isle of the Storm for a two count. Jay locks in the Queenslayer, but Cargill powers her way out. Stokely Hathaway (Malcom Bivens) walks down the ramp, distracting Jay and allowing Cargill to hit a super Jaded for the win.
Winner and still TBS Champion: Jade Cargill
After Cargill retained, she was then joined by Red Velvet and Kiera Hogan in pursuit of a post-match beatdown, but Anna Jay is saved by her ally Kris Statlander. Still, the numbers game still saw them down two to three against The Baddies. However, a surprise appearance of Athena (formerly Ember Moon) evened the odds as she stood beside Statlander and Jay against Cargill, Velvet, and Hogan.
Therefore, Athena is now All Elite.
Athena wasn’t the only debut of the night, though. Paige VanZant made her official AEW pay-per-view debut, teaming with TNT Champion Scorpio Sky and Ethan Page against Tay Conti, Sammy Guevara, and Frankie Kazarian. VanZant managed to land a Michinoku Driver on Conti in her first in-ring performance. Scorpio Sky would eventually pick up the pinfall and win for his team, making Paige VanZant successful in her first in-ring match.
Speaking of firsts, the Owen Hart Foundation Women’s Tournament also concluded at Double Or Nothing. Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D. battled Ruby Soho in the finals of the inaugural tournament. In the end, Britt Baker once again made history by defeating Soho to become the first winner of the Owen Hart Foundation Women’s Tournament.
A full recap of the match can be read below, courtesy of our live coverage page:
Rich Ward of Fozzy plays Baker to the ring, while Rancid does a live edition of “Ruby Soho” for “The Runaway.” Baker and Soho square off and trade holds. Soho wrenches the former champion’s arm. Baker hammers her with some forearms in the corner. Soho sends her to the outside and blasts her with a dropkick. She suplexes Baker on the floor.
Back in the ring, Baker takes control and stretches Soho around the ring post. Soho chops Baker, but the former champion drops her with a Russian Legsweep. Soho superplexes Baker. The two women trade blows, as the match is a stalemate. They both fall down and take a moment to regroup. Baker drills Soho with some kicks, and Soho responds with a Saito suplex. Soho gets a two count with a diving senton. Baker gets a two count with a stomp. She goes for the Lockjaw, but Soho avoids it. Baker goes for it again, and Soho counters. She hits the No Future and puts Baker in the Sharpshooter, but Baker reaches the ropes.
Baker rolls through a pin attempt and stacks Soho up for the win
Following the match, Dr. Martha Hart arrived to present Baker and the Men’s Tournament winner Adam Cole with their respective title belts as a prize for their Owen Hart Cup wins. A trophy was also bestowed in honor of the late Owen Hart.
From one Hart to another, Julia Hart shocked wrestling fans with her appearance at Double Or Nothing. Amidst the battle between House of Black (Malakai Black, Buddy Matthews, and Brody King) and Death Triangle (PAC, Ray Fenix, and Penta), the lights went out as PAC sat atop the top turnbuckle. As the lights turned back on, Julia Hart emerged. Astonished, PAC then received a face full of black mist from Hart. Malakai Black then took advantage and landed Black Mass on PAC to gain the pinfall victory. Also sporting black paint around her eye, Julia Hart is now officially a part of House Of Black.
https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1531083616729563136?s=20&t=5aR-oocj_Bg0S1KV3f4p1w
Speaking of paint, AEW Women’s World Champion Thunder Rosa emerged with her signature face paint and new gear in honor of the recent tragedy in Uvalde, Texas. There, she rekindled a rivalry with a familiar opponent in Serena Deeb.
The two fierce competitors would battle with the AEW Women’s World Championship on the line. The closing moments of the match saw Thunder Rosa land her Thunder Driver to clinch the victory.
A full recap of the match can be read below, courtesy of WZ’s live coverage page:
AEW Women’s World Championship: Thunder Rosa (c) vs. Serena Deeb
Rosa and Deeb feel each other out and exchange holds. They’re evenly matched early on. The champion rocks in the pendulum and turns it into a pin attempt for a two count. Rosa takes Deeb down with two arm drags. She dropkicks Deeb off the apron, but the challenger gets back up and slams her into the turnbuckle. A neckbreaker over the ropes gives Deeb the upper hand. Deeb locks in the abdominal stretch, but Rosa fights out of it. The champion rallies and slams Deeb. She sends Deeb face-first into the turnbuckle. Rosa gets a two count with a Northern Lights suplex. Deeb locks in a modified Octopus hold. She hits an innovative face-buster off the second rope.
Deeb locks in the Stretch Muffler, but the champion reverses and smashes Deeb’s knee into the mat. Both women are down after a double clothesline. Rosa hits a diving stomp to the back and gets a two count with the Death Valley Driver. Deeb takes her down with a chop block and locks in the Figure-Four. The two competitors trade blows while the hold is locked in. They roll out of the ring and land hard on the floor. Deeb nails a Dragon Screw in the ropes and hits the Deeb-tox for a two count. She goes for the Serenity Lock and transitions into a powerbomb. She locks in the Cloverleaf, but Rosa reaches the ropes. Rosa clinches the win with the Thunder Driver.
Winner and still AEW Women’s World Champion: Thunder Rosa
Your #AEW Women's World Champion, @thunderrosa22, is here to defend her title tonight at Double or Nothing! Order #AEWDoN NOW on @BleacherReport & Internationally on @FiteTV / https://t.co/30z8K48kUT pic.twitter.com/x1BsM2EODV
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) May 30, 2022
RELATED: Thunder Rosa Says She Had A Design Made For Magneto Themed Ring Gear
Pro-Wrestling EVE To Host ‘God Save The Wrestle Queens’ Alongside PROGRESS Wrestling Super Strong Style 16 Weekend
PROGRESS Wrestling will hold their Strong Style 16 tournament this weekend — but there’s a twist. In collaboration with Pro-Wrestling EVE, the Riot Grrrls of Wrestling will compete on the ‘God Save The Wrestle Queens’ event following day one of PROGRESS’ on June 3rd.
PROGRESS Wrestling released the following statement on the event:
PROGRESS Wrestling are delighted to welcome EVE: Riot Grrls of Wrestling to the bill for our Jubilee Weekend of action.
On Bank Holiday Friday, 3rd June, following day one of PROGRESS Wrestling’s Super Strong Style 16 tournament, EVE will present their latest show: God Save the Wrestle Queens.
All shows will take place in the Electric Ballroom in Camden, North London.
This collaboration means that two of the most distinctive UK wrestling promotions are collaborating to present a stunning weekend of action-packed diversity.
EVE Riot Grrrls of Wrestling is an all-female wrestling promotion, who have the tag line ‘Punk, feminist, empowered. Women superheroes come To life!’ “God Save The Wrestle Queens” will showcase the best of the UK women’s wrestling scene in distinctive EVE style.
In a unique collaboration between the two promotions, there promises to be something not just for wrestling fans but for many of the 14 million expected in the UK’s capital to celebrate the Jubilee celebrations for the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
EVE Champion Jetta, who has also wrestled for PROGRESS, said: “I can’t think of a better way to walk into the Electric Ballroom for the first time than as EVE Champion.
“I hope fans from both promotions check out the other for the first time and I’m sure even Queen Liz herself will be doing everything she can to be a part of this incredible day of wrestling. She will witness me, The People’s Princess, dishing out ‘Clotheslines from HRH’ and successfully defending my EVE Championship against whoever stands in front of me on Friday, 3rd June.”
Lee McAteer, co-owner of PROGRESS, said: “Super Strong Style hits hard, and with all 16 contenders in action, day one will be the hardest-hitting.”
Martyn Best, PROGRESS co-owner added: “To bring EVE and PROGRESS together is a real showcase and a celebration of all that is good about British wrestling.”
Super Strong Style 16 continues through Saturday and Sunday, culminating in the winner being crowned the new PROGRESS World Champion. The weekend also features Gisele Shaw defending her Women’s crown against number one contender Kanji; ATLAS champion Luke Jacobs defending his title against Axel Tischer; a stunning three-way ladder match between The 0121, Smokin’ Aces and Sunshine Machine; and an I Quit match between Cara Noir and Spike Trivet which will end with one of them leaving PROGRESS.
Tickets for the whole weekend are available at www.dice.fm. EVE and PROGRESS are also offering a special combined ticket for this first day. A ticket for just the EVE show can be purchased at EVEwrestling.com/Tickets
#Jubilee Friday June 3rd – spend the day watching some of the very best pro wrestling in the world!
14:30: @ThisIs_Progress #SSS16 feat @TheRealMorrison & @DamoMackle
20:00 EVE #GodSaveTheWrestleQueens
? for Progress & whole day @dicefm
? EVE – https://t.co/lOIhgQh9p5 pic.twitter.com/K9DU1BjSQD— EVE – Riot Grrrls of Wrestling (@ProWrestlingEVE) May 28, 2022
While no official matches have been confirmed as of this writing, Pro-Wrestling EVE is featuring the following talent on the event poster:
- EVE Champion, Jetta
- Kasey Owens
- Emerson Jayne
- Clementine
- The Ava
- Charlie Morgan
- Alex Windsor
Athena To Defend Warrior Wrestling Women’s Championship Against A.Q.A
Following her successful title defense against Janai Kai, newly signed AEW star Athena will now go on to defend her Warrior Wrestling Women’s Championship against a fellow All Elite Wrestling talent.
On June 18th, Athena will lay her championship on the line against A.Q.A. In a first-time matchup between the two, the Warrior Wrestling Women’s Championship will be at stake at the Warrior 23 show in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Athena previously won the title while competing against Shazza McKenzie and Skye Blue in April for the then-vacant championship. Now, she goes on to compete against A.Q.A.
Also on the card – the newest #AEW star – ATHENA defends her Warrior Wrestling Women's Championship against AQA! pic.twitter.com/0p1IwEt2pl
— Pro Wrestling Ventures (@ProWresVentures) May 30, 2022
Garden State Pro Wrestling To Host “Welcome To Eden” Debut Show
Garden State Pro Wrestling will soon embark on its debut show on July 23rd. “Welcome To Eden” will take place at The Heart Ballroom in Newark, New Jersey with a spectacular lineup of talent.
Following her stellar performance against Masha Slamovich at Prestige Wrestling last weekend, Miyu Yamashita will make her Garden State Pro Wrestling debut against “Space Jesus” Billie Starkz and “The Kick Demon” Janai Kai. Starkz currently reigns as the Girl Fight Wrestling Champion, while Kai has recently impressed at Ladies Night Out and Warrior Wrestling. This triple threat looks to highlight three of the brightest stars in professional wrestling today.
Also on the “Welcome To Eden” card, Trish Adora will battle Taya Valkyrie in what promises to be a highly anticipated first-time matchup between the two prominent stars. In addition, Heather Monroe teams with Edith Surreal to take on Dark Sheik and Jai Vidal in a tag team matchup.
"WELCOME TO EDEN"
TICKET UPDATE:
WE HAVE 5 GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS REMAINING.
IF WE SELL OUT TONIGHT I MIGHT HAVE A LITTLE SURPRISE FOR YOU ???https://t.co/sp7hLpS2sI pic.twitter.com/AyMcwzw8l2
— Garden State Pro Wrestling (@GardenStatePW) May 26, 2022
GLAM Returns To Oakland
Touted as Hoodslam’s Meaner Sister, GLAM returns to Oakland, California this Saturday, June 4th. Guilty Letha; Action Mayhem action will arise as GLAM hosts their ReAwakening event on night two Hoodslam’s weekend spectacular. In addition, a new GLAM Champion will be crowned.
GLAM issued the following statement on the event:
Hosted by Anton Voorhees,
An almost entirely different roster hits the stage Saturday night as it is the long awaited return of GLAM! Old favorites and new faces once again vie for the new vacant GLAMPIONSHIP! which is, honestly, the coolest belt in wrestling
While no official talents have been announced, the official ReAwakening show graphic features Viva Van, Heather Monroe, Sandra Moone, Brittany Wonder, and Ashton Starr.
We are Guilty Lethal Action Mayhem. We. Are. BACK.#WeAreGLAM pic.twitter.com/hcRm21wQ7K
— GLAMxOAK (@GlamXOak) May 1, 2022
Girl Fight Wrestling Returns To Host “Not Just Another Pretty Face”
Girl Fight Wrestling returns on June 14th to host their “Not Just Another Pretty Face” with some of the best female wrestlers around. Current Girl Fight Champion Billie Starkz will defend her title in an open challenge against a mystery opponent. Starkz previously defended her championship against Rachel Armstrong in April and will officially surpass one year as champion ahead of this event.
In addition, Allie Katch will collide with Charlie Kruel in a one-on-one no disqualification match. Sawyer Wreck will duel with Ava Lee. Alice Crowley will battle Mickie Knuckles. Rachel Armstrong will compete against “The Scream Queen” Ella. Bashley Bones will go one-on-one with Randi West. Lastly, Savannah Sweet will square off with Big Mama.
The card is always subject to change, but as of this writing, no further talent announcements have been made.
INTERVIEWS:
Independent Star Rylee Rockett spoke with The Hot Tag Hooligans to discuss her career, NWA and IMPACT Wrestling, majoring in Forensic Psychology, Snow White, Friends and more.
Former NXT Superstar Jessica Eleban chatted with Jim Varsallone about debuting in Coastal Championship Wrestling, her background in volleyball, coming from a military family, and more.
“The Quintessential Diva” Gisele Shaw appeared on The Ringer Wrestling Show to discuss signing with IMPACT Wrestling, ranking on the PWI Women’s 150, her nickname, and more.
AEW star Ruby Soho spoke with Bill Pritchard of WrestleZone about the Owen Hart Foundation Women’s Tournament, appearing on Carpool Karaoke, wrestling Kris Statlander, and more.
Pro Wrestling personality SoCal Val joined Sportskeeda Wrestling to discuss her inspirations to get into the business, working with Kurt Angle, her exclusive content for fans, and more.