Pressure is mounting on AEW president Tony Khan to introduce a women’s Blood and Guts match, a concept first unveiled by the company in 2021 as an homage to the legendary WarGames format. This brutal contest takes place in two rings enclosed by a double steel cage with a roof, where competitors enter at timed intervals, and victory can only be achieved by submission or surrender. While AEW has hosted four Blood and Guts matches to date, a women’s edition has yet to materialize, sparking frustration among many fans eager to see female wrestlers compete in this intense environment.
One prominent voice pushing for this change is AEW star Willow Nightingale, recognized for her hardcore wrestling style. In a recent discussion with Blavity, Nightingale expressed strong support for a women’s Blood and Guts match, highlighting the evolution of AEW’s female division and their ability to blend athletic grace with toughness in violent matches.
“To see how the division has evolved from those early days to hold onto all of that wonderful, aesthetically pleasing [part of being] women’s wrestlers, but still kick a– in a bloody, gory mix of everything too, I think we’re really trying to push and show that.A lot of times, people will say our women’s division is just as good as our men’s division, and I feel that should be standard everywhere, all over the place. But I feel like we have our own unique identity, and I really do think a Blood and Guts type match is a part of that.I think we love bearing that. I think we love the viscerality of that, so it’s about time if something like that does happen.”
Nightingale’s comments emphasize that AEW’s women’s division maintains its distinctive style, capable of delivering emotionally gripping and physically demanding matches, which she believes a Blood and Guts contest would showcase vividly.
Tony Khan’s Position on a Women’s Blood and Guts Match
Tony Khan has acknowledged the possibility of staging a women’s Blood and Guts match, but he has stressed that such a match must be justified by a compelling storyline for it to take place. In an interview conducted in July 2024, Khan indicated openness to the idea but also pointed to concerns about injuries impacting AEW’s roster as another reason for not scheduling the match so far.
Reflecting on the prior year, Khan admitted that holding the match in 2023 was impractical, suggesting that the timing and physical readiness of the wrestlers did not align with his vision. His cautious stance reveals a careful balance between delivering thrilling matches and ensuring the long-term health and safety of AEW talent.
A Closer Look at Blood and Guts Rules and History
The Blood and Guts format remains one of AEW’s most physically demanding match types. It is contested in two adjacent rings enclosed by a caged structure that features a roof—a difference from typical cage matches. Competitors from each team enter the rings one by one at timed intervals, increasing suspense and tactical variation. Unlike traditional wrestling bouts, victory is only earned when one team forces an opponent to submit or surrender, underscoring the brutal, intense nature of the contest.
Since its debut, AEW has featured four Blood and Guts matches, all involving male wrestlers. The absence of a women’s version has become a frequently discussed topic among fans and insiders who believe the women’s division is ready and capable of competing at this level.
Significance of Introducing a Women’s Blood and Guts Match
Introducing a Blood and Guts match for AEW‘s women’s roster would mark a significant milestone in professional wrestling, showcasing the athleticism and toughness of female wrestlers in a format famed for its intensity and drama. It would reinforce AEW’s commitment to promoting gender equality by recognizing that the women’s division can deliver performances equal in excitement and brutality to that of the men.
Potentially, this could also expand the visibility and prestige of AEW’s women’s division, encouraging innovative storytelling and giving fans an unprecedented spectacle. For Tony Khan, deciding to greenlight this match signals a willingness to evolve the product while balancing careful risk management for the wrestlers involved.
Additional Wrestling Industry Updates
In other news from the wrestling world, several noteworthy developments are unfolding. The WWE Unreal director recently expressed surprise in a storyline involving Cody Rhodes, originally anticipating his character’s turn to a darker persona. Meanwhile, an AEW star reportedly had their contract renewed despite requesting otherwise, sparking discussions about management decisions within the promotion.
Naomi’s father has teased an upcoming announcement on WWE Raw, building anticipation for her next career move. WWE Hall of Famer Torrie Wilson disclosed a shocking pitch she would have outright rejected during her career, adding intrigue to backstage culture. A current WWE superstar has been likened to the late Chyna by an Attitude Era wrestler, highlighting the evolving talent landscape. Additionally, a major WWE star proposed renaming Seth Rollins’ faction, reflecting ongoing narrative shifts following SummerSlam. Finally, Rikishi openly addressed Naomi’s pregnancy, which led to her vacating the Women’s World Championship, and WWE revealed plans for the future of the towering superstar Omos after his triumphant ring return.
