Kris Statlander recently appeared on Insight with Chris Van Vliet to discuss several subjects, including her surprising AEW Women’s World Championship win. The discussion revealed how unusual and unexpected the timing of her title victory felt amid personal and professional challenges.
A Complex Moment Behind the Championship Win
Statlander described the championship win as coming at a strange and uncertain period in her life and career. She explained that the opportunity to compete for the title emerged quickly due to Toni Storm‘s direct approach to setting up the match, which felt like seizing a chance amidst chaos.
During this period, Statlander was dealing with various distractions, including difficulties with the Deathriders faction and a complicated relationship involving Willow and Harley. These factors contributed to her feeling unsure about her direction, even as she accepted the chance to compete for a championship she had never held before.
“I feel like you shouldn’t always necessarily need to brand yourself as a champion in order to be worthy of having this memorable career, so to speak. I feel like actually winning the championship kind of came at a really weird time for me. It almost didn’t feel like it was the right time, because the way Toni Storm went about making the match was like, You, you, you, let’s go do it, and we’re like, okay, so it’s kind of like taking advantage of an opportunity. Meanwhile, I was still getting harassed by the Deathriders and trying to sneak my way out of dealing with them. And then the up and down situation with Willow, and then me and Harley were kind of a thing. It was like a really, really weird time where I was very unsure of what I wanted to do and what path I wanted to take. Now I’m in this opportunity to win this belt I’ve never gotten a chance to win, and I haven’t wrestled four in years at this point, so it’s like, I’m not gonna not take the opportunity, just because in my mind, things are all over the place. But at the same time, it felt really weird. It was just kind of like, well, I guess we’re here, so okay, and now it’s just kind of been an uphill battle trying to cement myself and find myself, while also putting myself and showing everyone who I am as the World Champion. So it’s been a really odd time.” – Kris Statlander, AEW Women’s World Champion
Adjusting to Life as Champion Amid Challenges
Since winning the AEW title, Statlander has faced the challenge of fully establishing her identity as champion. She emphasized the ongoing effort to prove herself and demonstrate her capabilities in this new role while navigating the personal uncertainties she described.
This period marks a significant moment in Statlander’s career as she embraces both the responsibilities and pressures that come with being a world champion, despite the initially unexpected timing of her victory.
What This Means for Statlander’s Future in AEW
Statlander’s reflections reveal a wrestler grappling with rapid change and self-discovery, suggesting an upcoming chapter focused on solidifying her status at the top of AEW’s women’s division. Her candid insights offer fans a glimpse into the pressure and complexity behind championship success, pointing to potential storylines and growth ahead.
As she continues to navigate these challenges, Statlander’s journey may inspire both her peers and followers, highlighting resilience amid uncertainty in professional wrestling’s competitive landscape.
