Athena, an AEW standout, is nearing an astonishing milestone of 1,000 days as the ROH Women’s World Champion, firmly establishing her reign as one of the most dominant in the title’s history. Signed by All Elite Wrestling in 2022, Athena has shown no signs of relinquishing the championship soon, cementing her legacy in Ring of Honor.
Previously known as Ember Moon during her WWE tenure from 2015 to 2021, Athena captured the NXT Women’s Championship and the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship with Shotzi Blackheart. Since claiming the ROH Women’s World Championship in December 2022, she has remained unbeaten for the title, underscoring Tony Khan’s confidence in her ability to lead the division.
Potential Storylines to Conclude Athena’s Long Championship Run
Although Athena’s reign as the “Forever Champion” seems unbreakable, it will not last indefinitely. There are several intriguing routes Tony Khan could take to bring her time at the top to an end while maintaining the prestige of her reign.
Billie Starkz: The Protégé’s Possible Betrayal
Billie Starkz, a promising 20-year-old AEW talent, is closely associated with Athena, portraying a mentor-protégé dynamic that has resonated with fans. Under Athena’s guidance, Starkz has improved rapidly, suggesting she may be groomed for a major push within AEW.
One compelling possibility is Khan booking Starkz to turn against Athena, transforming her character into a ruthless heel. Such a move would see Starkz launching a vicious attack on her mentor and capturing the ROH Women’s World Championship through deceitful tactics. This storyline could create a dramatic and emotionally charged end to Athena’s historic reign.
Athena’s Transition Fully into AEW and Relinquishing the ROH Title
Since joining AEW, Athena has primarily showcased her talents within Ring of Honor, but many fans are eager to see her integrated fully into AEW programming. For this transition to happen smoothly, the ROH Women’s World Championship must be vacated.
Tony Khan could have Athena voluntarily surrender the championship, allowing her to conclude her reign undefeated while highlighting the significance of her lengthy tenure. This would also open the door for a dedicated ROH Women’s World Championship Tournament, providing a platform for emerging talents to compete and elevate the division.
The Possibility of Ronda Rousey Challenging Athena
Former WWE Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey, now retired from professional wrestling, remains a major figure in combat sports. Despite her past success and popularity in WWE, Rousey recently confirmed on The Lapsed Fan podcast that she has no plans to return to the organization.
However, Tony Khan might disrupt the wrestling landscape by persuading Rousey to end her retirement and sign with All Elite Wrestling. Given Rousey’s previous appearances wrestling in Ring of Honor, a future matchup against Athena for the ROH Women’s World Championship would captivate audiences. The clash between Rousey’s MMA pedigree and Athena’s wrestling prowess could produce a compelling and fiercely competitive rivalry.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the ROH Women’s Division
Athena’s eventual departure from the ROH Women’s World Championship scene will mark a pivotal change for the division. Whether through a storyline betrayal, a strategic title relinquishment, or a high-profile challenger like Ronda Rousey entering the fray, Tony Khan’s creative decisions will shape the trajectory of the championship and the women’s roster. Fans eagerly await how these potential developments unfold, as they will significantly impact the status and prestige of the ROH Women’s Title moving forward.
