Kris Statlander returned triumphantly to AEW in Las Vegas at Double or Nothing after an ACL injury that had her out of action since August 2022. Statlander wasted no time answering Jade Cargill’s open challenge for the TBS Championship, taking advantage of Cargill having already fought against Taya Valkyrie.
Statlander’s return shifted the power of the women’s division as she ended Cargill’s 60-0 undefeated streak and became the second TBS Champion in AEW history.
Statlander Promises Best Title Reign
Still processing her championship win, Statlander discussed everything this match meant to her backstage at Double or Nothing. While recovering, Statlander saw fans asserting she was the perfect person to end Cargill’s streak and become the second TBS Champion.
Fans’ belief in Statlander inspired her promise in AEW Road to San Diego, “No matter how long I have this belt, I’m not only going to prove to everyone that they were right, but I’m going to prove to myself that this is my time. And I’m gonna have the best damn title reign anyone’s ever seen.”
Statlander set a high standard for herself, but she’s undoubtedly doing everything to deliver as she issued an open challenge for her first title defense.
Nyla Rose Answers the Call
Rose claims to be the second TBS Champion after stealing the belt from Jade and successfully defending the stolen championship in matches. So, it’s no surprise that seeing Statlander called the “second TBS Champion” pulled Rose to answer the open challenge.
Nyla Rose is no stranger to championship contention as she defeated Riho to become the second AEW Women’s World Champion in history. Rose’s reign lasted over 100 days, meaning Statlander is up against a lot of experience and power for her first defense.
As the second AEW Women’s World Champion challenges the second TBS Champion, Kris Statlander kicks off her reign with a “slobberknocker.”
Kris Statlander (C ) vs. Nyla Rose — TBS Championship
After debuting the addition of pyro to her ring entrance, Kris Statlander isn’t losing her TBS Championship anytime soon.
Statlander didn’t hesitate to run right at Rose even as a lariat threatened her. Rose landed the lariat, sending Statlander to the mat. Rose took advantage of the position and went for the pin, but it wouldn’t be that easy as Statlander kicked out at two.
Even as Rose continued to work Statlader’s previously injured knee, Statlander looked more solid than ever. Statlander worked Rose to the mat, allowing her to climb to the top rope. Having landed a 450 splash, Statlander pins Rose. With Statlander’s first successful TBS Championship defense, she set herself up for a powerful reign.
Next for AEW
AEW Rampage: Championship Friday at 10 pm EST on TNT promises plenty of championship matches. In fact, Rampage will hold another first title defense for the women of AEW. Willow Nightingale is set to defend the NJPW Strong Women’s Championship against Emi Sakura in what is sure to be another massive match.
Beyond the Game: Interviews
Beyond the Game: Blake Hare
Beyond the Game: Interviews
Beyond the Game: The Football Cartel
Beyond the Game: Interviews
Beyond the Game: Zach Hodskins
Beyond the Game: Interviews
Beyond the Game: Jasmine Wilks
