The wrestling world was left reeling after Athena, the reigning ROH Women’s World Champion, suffered an injury during a recent ROH taping. The 35-year-old star, known for her impressive in-ring performances and dominant reign as champion, was competing against Viva Van when the incident occurred. According to reports, Athena went flying through the ropes into the ground during the match, resulting in her limping and leading to a quick finish.
PWInsider has since confirmed that Athena injured her left leg, although the severity of the injury remains unknown. This sudden setback raises questions about the future of the ROH Women’s World Championship, which Athena has held for an impressive 518 days, making her the longest-reigning champion in the title’s history.
Athena, formerly known as Ember Moon in WWE, has been on a tear since joining AEW in 2022. She quickly rose to prominence in the Jacksonville-based promotion, capturing the ROH Women’s World Championship and defending it against top contenders like Red Velvet and Hikaru Shida. Her reign has been marked by inconsistency and controversy, with some critics accusing her of relying too heavily on her WWE past to get over.
In a recent interview with Good Karma Wrestling, Athena discussed former WWE Superstar Mercedes Mone, praising her star power and character work. However, she also took a subtle jab at AEW CEO Tony Khan, implying that she was “tiers above” Mone. This comment sparked debate among fans, with some interpreting it as a sign of tension between Athena and the AEW hierarchy.
With her injury casting doubt over her ability to continue defending the ROH Women’s World Championship, Athena’s future in AEW and ROH remains uncertain. Will she be forced to vacate the title, or can she find a way to overcome her injury and continue her dominant reign? One thing is clear: the wrestling world will be keeping a close eye on Athena’s recovery and the fallout from this unexpected setback.